Bangladesh wants strong ties with the US, China, and Pakistan, according to the head of Jamaat-e-Islami, who believes New Delhi shouldn't meddle.

 Shafiqur Rahman, the leader of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, a party known for its anti-India rhetoric and pro-Pakistan stance, has stated that his party is interested in establishing stable relations with India. However, he emphasized that India should refrain from interfering in Bangladesh's domestic matters. Rahman highlighted that while Jamaat-e-Islami supports strengthening ties between New Delhi and Dhaka, it also advocates for Bangladesh to maintain strong and balanced relations with other major countries, such as the United States, China, and Pakistan. He suggested that Bangladesh should move forward without being burdened by historical conflicts.

Bangladesh wants strong ties with the US, China, and Pakistan, according to the head of Jamaat-e-Islami, who believes New Delhi shouldn't meddle.

Jamaat-e-Islami has a controversial history, having supported Pakistan during Bangladesh's liberation war and called for the implementation of Sharia law in Bangladesh. The Supreme Court of Bangladesh previously barred the party from contesting in general elections due to its extremist views, and the government led by Sheikh Hasina also banned the party for similar reasons. However, the interim government under Muhammad Yunus recently lifted this ban, stating there was "no specific evidence" linking Jamaat, its student wing Shibir, or its affiliated organizations to terrorist activities.

In an interview with PTI, Rahman argued that the perception of Jamaat-e-Islami as anti-India is incorrect. He stated that the party is not against any country and is primarily focused on protecting Bangladesh's interests. Rahman criticized former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for leaving Bangladesh and seeking refuge in India following political unrest, suggesting she should return to face the legal processes in her own country. He also criticized India for actions that, according to him, were perceived negatively by the Bangladeshi public, such as a senior Indian diplomat's involvement in dictating the participation in the 2014 Bangladeshi elections. Rahman expressed hope that India would eventually reconsider its foreign policy towards Bangladesh to avoid interference in internal matters.

Rahman emphasized that Jamaat-e-Islami desires a friendly relationship with India and recognizes its own responsibility in fostering positive bilateral ties. He distinguished between cooperation, which he views positively, and interference, which he views negatively, stressing that good relations should be based on mutual respect and non-interference. He noted that despite past interactions with the Indian government, these connections had lessened during the Awami League's 16-year rule. Nonetheless, Rahman expressed optimism about the possibility of renewing effective relations with India.

Addressing Jamaat-e-Islami's stance on relations with Pakistan, Rahman stated that the party seeks amicable relations with Islamabad, as well as a balanced relationship with all regional neighbors, including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka. He argued that maintaining this balance is essential for regional stability. He also mentioned the importance of maintaining balanced and stable relationships with global powers like the United States and China in today's interconnected world.

Regarding the upcoming elections in Bangladesh, Rahman affirmed that Jamaat-e-Islami plans to participate whenever they are held. He suggested that while the interim government should have some time, it should not prolong its tenure indefinitely. Rahman mentioned that the party would clarify its stance on the timing of fresh elections at an appropriate time but confirmed their readiness to contest the elections when scheduled.