No deal with any country before elections: Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen said that Bangladesh will not sign a new agreement with any country in haste before the elections.

The foreign minister said this on Saturday in response to a question from journalists whether Bangladesh will sign the two agreements - General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA), and the Acquisition Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) - with the United States.

He said, “It will not have any impact on the country. Because Bangladesh is an independent state. The country now takes a position. We follow a balanced foreign policy.”

Abdul Momen also talked about the upcoming national elections after giving certificates to the students of Shahi Eidgah RTM Al-Kabir Technical University in Sylhet city.

He said, “Bangladesh does not run on the advice of any foreign power. The next elections will follow the constitution of the country.”

“Various measures have been taken including the formation of a strong Election Commission for fair elections. We have done everything necessary for a fair election,” he continued.

The foreign minister said that Bangladesh has been invited from the BRICS conference. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina may attend the summit.

“Even if BRICS does not include new countries this year, like Bangladesh, there will be meetings with the governments and heads of state of many countries and discussions on various issues,” said Momen.

/MHK/