Others’ opinions don’t matter, says Touhid on China drone deal

Bangladesh has signed a government-to-government agreement with China to establish a drone manufacturing and assembly plant, including provisions for technology transfer, as the government pushes ahead with defence and industrial cooperation despite possible geopolitical sensitivities.

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said Bangladesh’s decision on the deal will not be influenced by objections from other countries, emphasising that national interest will take precedence over external opinions. 

Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, January 28, he said that if Bangladesh chooses to set up an industrial facility or implement a project with a foreign partner, it will be based solely on its own strategic priorities. “It doesn’t matter what others think,” he said, adding that Bangladesh’s views on developments in neighbouring countries like India or Pakistan carry no weight in their domestic decisions either.

His remarks come amid growing international attention to Bangladesh’s expanding cooperation with China, particularly in sensitive sectors such as defence technology. 

The drone manufacturing initiative is being viewed as part of a broader effort to build domestic production capacity and reduce reliance on imports.

When asked about a Washington Post report referencing Jamaat-e-Islami in relation to a US Embassy official in Dhaka, Touhid Hossain declined to comment, saying there was no benefit in speculating about political outcomes or future diplomatic dynamics. 

He noted that the nature of Bangladesh-US relations after the upcoming elections will depend on which government comes to power and how it chooses to engage Washington.

Responding to questions about election-related violence, the Foreign Affairs Adviser said the government is not certain that unrest will occur, but acknowledged the risk of attempted disruptions. 

He pointed out that the Ministry of Home Affairs is better positioned to assess the security situation in detail.

Touhid Hossain also observed that political parties participating in the election are showing notable restraint in their activities. 

He suggested that if any instability arises, it is more likely to come from groups or actors excluded from the electoral process.