Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain emphasized today that maintaining strong bilateral relations with the United States, India, and China, alongside resolving the Rohingya crisis, will be key priorities for Bangladesh in 2025.

“Priority is to resolve the Rohingya crisis, priority is to keep good relations with those three countries, and priority is to advance our economic and diplomatic efforts while ensuring stability,” he told reporters at his ministry this afternoon.

When asked whether one country is prioritized over another, Touhid clarified that equal importance is given to the US, India, and China. “We place equal priority on maintaining ties with these three countries as our various interests are deeply aligned with them,” he said, adding that these nations also have significant interests in maintaining good relations with Bangladesh.

Touhid expressed hope that Dhaka’s relations with these global powers would be further strengthened by the end of the year.

Responding to questions about relations with India, particularly concerning Dhaka's request for the return of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Touhid said this is one of several bilateral issues between the two neighbors. He stated that efforts to bring Hasina back from Delhi and to strengthen ties with India would proceed simultaneously. "I believe both will proceed simultaneously," he remarked.

Touhid noted that a diplomatic letter was recently sent from the Bangladesh High Commission in Delhi to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs under the extradition treaty, requesting steps to send Hasina back. The Foreign Ministry is awaiting a response from India before taking further steps.

Regarding relations with China, Touhid disclosed plans to visit the country on January 20 for bilateral discussions. “China has extended an invitation, and I will be going to address the issues we share,” he said, refraining from providing details of the discussions. He described the visit as part of Dhaka’s effort to maintain balanced relations with China, along with the United States and India.

Speaking on the Rohingya crisis, the foreign adviser said the situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine State remains extremely challenging due to changes on the ground. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s primary goal is to ensure the rights and security of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas. “Without this, they will not agree to return (to Myanmar),” he added.

Touhid’s statements reflect Bangladesh’s commitment to addressing pressing regional challenges while fostering strong diplomatic ties with key global partners in 2025.

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