‘Any conflict in region can deviate Bangladesh from achieving its dev goals’

Reiterating Bangladesh’s position against any kind of war in the world, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Thursday said any kind of conflict or war in the region might deviate Bangladesh from achieving its goal of further development.

“Obviously, we do not want any war, be it real war or proxy war. We are against war,” he said, adding that Bangladesh will not allow anyone to use its land to serve others’ interests or that might go against the interest of its neighbours.

The foreign secretary made the remarks while responding to a question during a year-ending interaction with the members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. MoFA spokesperson Seheli Sabrin was also present.

He said Bangladesh is always against any kind of war as common people, women and children suffer from conflicts.

Describing India and Myanmar as Bangladesh’s neighbours, he said Bangladesh’s focus remains on more development and Bangladesh will get deviated from achieving its target if there is any kind of conflict, proxy or otherwise.

“For this reason, we always exercise maximum restraint,” Masud said, noting that there had been provocations when the Rohingya influx began in 2017. “There have been instructions from the top leadership to exercise restraint.”

Responding to a question about big powers’ rivalry, the foreign secretary said Bangladesh is trying its best to do this balancing act, maintaining contact and communication with all the countries.

“We are not making anyone hostile, we are responding timely and responding to concerns if any. Many are saying that they want to learn from us. They are happy with how Bangladesh is dealing with all these competing demands and interests,” he said, adding that there is no magic formula.

Regarding the next national election, Masud said the government hopes that there will be a good election. “At this moment, we do not think the election will not be free and fair.”

He hoped that people will cast their votes in the election in a festive mood. “There is no reason to get panicked.”

Masud said they are concentrating on how they can help the Election Commission to hold free and fair polls. “We are committed to holding a free and fair election. That is our focus. If there is any problem, we will face that.”

He said they want peace and stability the way the foreign friends want. “We want to follow a peaceful process. Bangladesh is always for peace.”

Responding to a question, the foreign secretary said Bangladesh is not holding the election to satisfy any foreigner, but for its constitutional obligation, government’s continuity and people will vote if they want to vote.

He said what a particular country is thinking of or whether any particular country will recognise the polls are irrelevant.

On Wednesday, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said they do not want to see any proxy war in the region and highlighted the importance of peace and stability for greater development.

“Our main goal is that we do not want to see any proxy war here. Problems remain there where we see proxy war despite having resources. Europe has fallen into proxy war and is facing challenges,” he told reporters, noting that there might be efforts to make the countries in the region weaker.

Momen said Bangladesh has taken a leadership role in the region and other countries acknowledge this. “This is good for us.”