Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain-File Photo

DHAKA, Jan 14, 2026 (BSS) – Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain today said that the government would not take any step that could harm Dhaka’s relations with any country, even as reports emerged about a possible government-to-government agreement with China on military drone manufacturing.

“We will definitely not do anything that will deteriorate our relations with any party. We will act while maintaining a balance,” he said, responding to a journalist’s question at the foreign ministry this evening about the possible impact of such an agreement on Bangladesh’s relations with Washington.

The adviser said that Bangladesh would act cautiously in safeguarding its foreign relations.

Touhid said Bangladesh needs to enhance the capabilities of its armed forces, citing the Air Force as an example.

“Our aircraft are very old, and many of them are not even in serviceable condition. We will have to make minimum purchases. There is ongoing discussion about where to procure equipment from and how much to acquire from which country,” he said.

Responding to a question on alliance formation, Adviser Hossain said Bangladesh has not joined any alliance in the past one and a half years.

“Discussions on various groupings will continue. If we see that joining a group serves our interests and helps protect them, we will do so. Otherwise, there is no question of joining,” he said.

On a separate issue, the adviser said the government remains hopeful of a smooth transition through the national election but is taking precautions to prevent the arrival of any “unexpected individuals” from abroad who may attempt to create an undesirable situation during the election period.

“We are not stopping the issuance of visas. Those who wish to come may apply for visas, and we will issue them as long as their purpose is valid,” he said responding to reports of the suspension of visa-on-arrival facilities.

“You know, during the election period, there may be attempts to create unexpected situations. Some unwanted individuals may try to enter the country suddenly,” he added.

The foreign adviser said the Ministry of Home Affairs is better positioned to comment on operational aspects but acknowledged that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received instructions in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan on Tuesday informed the public that the Bangladesh Embassy in Thimphu has officially conveyed the suspension of the “Visa on Arrival” facility for all eligible countries, including Bhutan, from January 15 to February 15.

In view of this, Bhutan advised its nationals intending to travel to Bangladesh during the period to apply for visas in advance through the Bangladesh Embassy in Thimphu to avoid inconvenience.

Earlier, on January 8, Adviser Touhid confirmed that Bangladesh had asked its three key diplomatic missions in India to keep their visa sections closed temporarily on security grounds.

“What I have done is that I have asked our three missions to keep their visa sections closed for the time being. It’s a security issue,” he said at the time.

Asked again on Wednesday, he said the decision was taken due to a special situation, noting the need to ensure the security of Bangladesh’s missions abroad.