‘Will Follow Our Own Diplomatic Policy’, Says Bangladesh Over Chinese Threat Against Joining Quad

Expressing surprise and shock over the Chinese threat to Bangladesh that the latter should refrain from joining the four-nation Quad grouping, the nation’s Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has shot back on the larger neighbour reminding it that being an independent nation Bangladesh shall follow its own diplomatic policy, reports Economic Times.

China’s Ambassador to Bangladesh had earlier warned that any move by Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina’s Government to join the Quad grouping would ‘substantially’ damage the relations between the two countries.

He had said, “History has proved again and again such partnership surely damages our neighbours' own social, economic development and people's wellbeing.”

Shooting back, Momen said, “It's up to us whether we do it or not. And none of us were invited to the quad, nor did we show interest; None of us told. They (China) can only give their opinion as an independent and sovereign state.”

When asked if the Government would respond to the Chinese assertions, Momen said, “We do not want to talk about these. We will follow our diplomatic policy. We do not usually welcome these provocative statements.”