Ashraf questions joining Saudi alliance

Minister for Public Administration and General Secretary of Awami League Syed Ashraful Islam questioned Bangladesh’s decision to join the Saudi-led alliance during today’s cabinet meeting.

According to the minister, an approval from the Parliament is necessary before participating in any such alliances.

“However, we read in the newspapers that Bangladesh has joined the Saudi-coalition already,” he was reported to have said at the meeting.

Foreign Minister AH Mahmud Ali said that this coalition is not a military alliance, but a pact against terrorism.

“Nothing has been finalised in this regard.” Mahmud Ali added.

Syed Ashraful Islam wanted to know why Bangladesh is taking part in the alliance when countries like Iran and others have opted out even though they are members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who chaired the meeting, at one stage participated in the brief discussion on this matter.

She said Bangladesh’s foreign policy is unmistakably clear…Friendship to all, malice to none.

Bangladesh believes in this policy, she said.