Adviser Mahfuj Alam on Sunday said the government wants a "pragmatic relationship" with all countries instead of a "knee-jerk foreign policy" that Bangladesh has witnessed, with a focus on strengthening negotiations capacity.
"We want to boost our capacity to enhance bargaining strength in the international arena," Mahfuj said while talking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The adviser emphasized national security, integrity and sovereignty, saying the government wants the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to represent Bangladesh's interests rather than serve any party agenda.
The government, he said, puts Bangladesh's interest at the top of its priorities.
Regarding former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's stay in India, Mahfuj said it is a political decision there, adding that they are hearing that she will not be extradited.
"Our observation is that they have made a political decision that they will not return her or we are hearing as such," Mahfuj said.