Dhaka, May 23 -- Amid speculation over a likely defence deal with the United States, Bangladesh on Saturday said any deal - whether with the US or any other country - will only be signed when the government and relevant agencies determine that the interests of the country and its people are protected.

"Decisions regarding defence deals will not just come from the MoFA. There are relevant agencies where discussions take place and decisions are made. I can't tell you now from this (MoFA) ministry at what stage this remains," State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam told reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when a reporter drew her attention to a defence deal with the US.

A section of media reported that Bangladesh and ...