Bangladesh is not in a position anymore that it would follow dictations of other countries, foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said, amid foreigners' concerns over DSA and human rights situation in Bangladesh.
"We are doing what is good for our people and we will continue to do that. We may discuss with them about their concern, but we don't follow their suggestions," he told the FE about the country's response to the EU's concern over the issues.
Explaining the country's position, the minister said that in the recent times the foreign powers prescribed many suggestions, but the government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina turned those down flatly as the well-being of people is its main priority.
The World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) were dead set against providing subsidies to agriculture inputs like fertilizer and the IMF stopped releasing money for one year to materialise their prescription, Dr Momen mentioned.
But, he said, the PM overruled their objection and went ahead with her plan.
The FM argued that had Bangladesh conceded to the demand of the IMF and others, the country would not have attained self-sufficiency in food production.
He said the European Union has long been buying readymade garments from us not to serve our purpose, but they do it for the interest of their people as they like our RMG products for its lucrative price.
Similarly, he added, the World Bank has its interest also in giving us money for the development projects.
He said the World Bank had also dictated a number of things when Bangladesh vied for constructing the Padma Bridge with their funding.
The minister pointed out that they (WB) also raised fictitious allegations of corruption even before releasing any money for the project, and then stopped funding when the government declined to meet their undue demands.
But the government had rejected their demand courageously and went ahead with the project. Now the bridge is almost ready for opening next year, he said, narrating the government's position.
Asked about criticisms over the recent attacks on Hindu communities, the minister said efforts were going on to tarnish the image of the country.
The undesirable incidents are being handled with utmost sincerity, he said, adding the perpetrators were nabbed.
About negative comments in the international media particularly in India, he said the government of India was happy with the steps taken by our government following the incident.
"We have informal communications with them on a regular basis and we are also happy that the government of India has taken steps to prevent any provocation centering the incidents here," he said.
