Bangladesh Seeks Friendship Based on Equality, Not Conditions: Rizvi

Bangladesh aims to foster international relations based on equality and mutual respect rather than pre-conditions, said BNP Standing Committee member and Adviser to the Prime Minister, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

He made these remarks on Wednesday (August 19) after paying floral tributes at the mausoleum of late President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

Speaking to reporters following the ceremony, held to mark the 46th founding anniversary of the Jatiyatabadi Swechchasebak Dal, Rizvi stated, "Bangladesh is an independent and sovereign nation. We believe in friendship with all. However, true friendship cannot be based on conditions. We expect the government to maintain relations with all countries based on mutual respect and the recognition of sovereignty."

He emphasized that any meaningful partnership must be rooted in respecting each other’s independence. "If there are hidden conditions behind any diplomatic relation, it cannot be termed as friendship," he added.

Regarding the implementation of the government’s election pledges, the Prime Minister’s Adviser assured that the administration is working diligently to fulfill the promises made in their 31-point manifesto. "Despite all challenges, we are working to implement the people-friendly programs and the commitments made by the Prime Minister ahead of the election," Rizvi concluded.