Bangladesh's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Wednesday (May 31, 2023) said security cooperation does not refer to any strategic alliance.
He, however, said they have probably slowed down some of the major purchase plans due to current economic situation, which will continue until further improvement of the economic situation.
"We do not want any war. But if the independence of Bangladesh is hurt, if the sovereignty is hurt, we will need tools to counter it," Shahriar said, adding that the government is focusing on further economic development.
He was speaking at an interactive session titled "Bangladesh at the Crossroads" held in a hotel in Dhaka.
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The Daily Ittefaq organised the event where its Publisher and Executive Director Tareen Hossain delivered welcome remarks.
The State Minister said any defence agreement with any country does not mean that Bangladesh will get involved in war against any country.
"We have to procure necessary equipment to defend our country. We have Forces Goal 2030," he said.
The country's economic well-being is now the biggest priority, Shahriar said.
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"We are under no security threats," he said, adding that of course there is always the risk of extremism and Bangladesh will prevent it.
Shahriar said Bangladesh has some strategic plans as part of Forces Goal 2030 and it will have to wait for some more time to be completed.
Member of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Nahim Razzaq, diplomats from foreign missions stationed in Dhaka and journalists were present.
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