Russia and western powers have taken opposing stances on the Syria issue. United Nations chief Antonio Guterres voiced his concern over the situation, saying that Russia and the US relations were deteriorating into a situation "similar, to a large extent, to what we lived during the Cold War”.
Bangladesh is keenly observing the whole situation. While talking on this issue, a government official said: "Bangladesh has always maintained a neutral and balanced role, and will continue doing so."
However, when asked to what extent Bangladesh has been able to maintain its position, the official replied: "In the current background, a neutral position does not always satisfy all parties."
Another government official said: "We support peace. We want a peaceful solution to the situation, through which Syria will retain its sovereignty."
At this moment, the US and its allies such as the UK want the removal of Syria's current President Bashar al-Assad.
On the other hand, Russia and Iran are putting their support behind the Assad government.
Talking on Bangladesh's stance on the issue of the US, UK and France recently attacking Syria, a government official said: "We do not have any official standpoint."
He also informed that without the UN's supervision, Bangladesh does not support any sort of expedition.
The government official further said: "For the sake of national interest, the government is trying to maintain a neutral position by communicating with the stakeholders on this issue.
"All parties are not happy about it," he continued. "But nobody is angry either, as the greater political powers are aware of our limitations."
Foreign Minister AH Mahmud Ali recently visited Russia on an official trip. And Foreign Secretary M Shahidul Haque visited London on a diplomatic mission last March.
This article was first published on banglatribune.com