State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir said on Saturday that Bangladesh would not compromise its national interest or public sentiment with anyone, while stressing that Dhaka wanted a positive and balanced relationship with its neighbour.

Kobir was speaking to reporters after paying tribute at the National Martyrs’ Memorial in Savar with newly appointed cabinet members.

He said Bangladesh had put in place a new strategic framework for foreign policy in recent months under the prime minister’s leadership, maintaining balanced bilateral relations with all countries, including the United States, China and those in the Middle East. National interest was being given the highest priority, he said.

Asked about bringing back ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from India, Kobir said the return of Hasina and other convicts who had fled to India was part of a regular process. Bangladesh has an extradition treaty with India and judicial proceedings were underway at home, he said. The demand was a longstanding and natural expectation of the people, the state minister added.

On a possible visit to India, Kobir said discussions and diplomatic contacts were continuing, but there was no hurry. Any high-level meeting required preparation, and a visit would take place at the right time on the basis of progress in talks, he said.

“There will be no compromise with anyone by sacrificing the feelings of the people and the national interest,” Kobir said. Work was underway to maintain good relations with India, and India had also come to understand the sentiments of the Bangladeshi people, he noted.

The state minister added, “The government, formed with huge public support, is committed to building Bangladesh into an important country on the world stage in soft power, influence and mediation.”