Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday said Bangladesh will decide its policy towards Afghanistan independently after observing the situation, their attitudes and policies.
“We’ve zero tolerance... we'll in no way patronize any terrorists,” he told reporters referring to the involvement of few Bangladeshis in Afghanistan in the previous Taliban government.
Asked whether Bangladesh will follow the policy of India or Pakistan, he made it clear that the decision of Bangladesh is not linked with the decision of any other country.
While briefing journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he said Bangladesh has a historic relationship with Afghanistan, also a member of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc), and is observing the situation.
“We believe in democracy. We should ensure people’s welfare and we’re yet to take any decision on the Afghanistan issue,” he added.
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The Taliban on Tuesday announced an all-male interim government for Afghanistan.
The foreign minister said Bangladesh always believes in a people's government that comes through a political and democratic process. “Bangladesh always extends support to such a government where people’s desire is reflected.”
On Wednesday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam said Bangladesh is still waiting for a permanent government in Afghanistan without hurriedly reaching a decision whether it will welcome the interim government or not.
“We’re still observing the situation very closely. Our focus still remains on peace and stability fully free from any war,” he told reporters at his office.
Responding to a question on progress over bringing back BNP acting Chairman Tarique Rahman and other criminals, the foreign minister on Thursday said he cannot say it exactly as the government is following the issues as per the laws. “I don’t have any such progress report.”
