Dhaka, Oct. 5 -- State Minister for Foreign Affairs Humaiun Kobir on Monday said Bangladesh's relations with major powers, including India, China, Japan, the United States and the European Union, should be guided by balance and clarity, recognizing their distinct opportunities and challenges.

Speaking at the National Defence College (NDC), he also underscored the protection of rights, dignity and welfare of Bangladeshi citizens abroad.

"Bangladesh's foreign policy must be confident without being confrontational, open without being dependent, and pragmatic without compromising our national interests," Kobir said.

He Bangladesh must pursue a foreign policy that is principled, pragmatic and firmly anchored in national interest amid a rapi...