Prime Minister’s political adviser and BNP standing committee member Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said Bangladesh seeks friendly relations with all countries based on equality, mutual respect and sovereignty. He made the remarks on Wednesday, August 19, in the capital’s Zia Udyan after paying tribute at the graves of former president Ziaur Rahman and former prime minister Khaleda Zia on the 46th founding anniversary of the Jatiyatabadi Swechchhasebak Dal.

Rizvi said Bangladesh is an independent and sovereign state and that friendship cannot be built on conditions. He said international relations must be developed by respecting every country’s independence and sovereignty, while the government would pursue ties founded on mutual dignity and equality. Bangladesh would invite other countries and accept their invitations, he said, but would not accept secret or unilateral conditions.

Addressing relations with India, Rizvi said Bangladesh would welcome friendly engagement without conditions tied to particular interests. He said any relationship with India must rest on equal status and mutual respect, and that a BNP government would not accept proposals outside those principles. He also expressed hope that Swechchhasebak Dal activists would publicize government welfare initiatives linked to the BNP election manifesto.