NEW DELHI: Bangladesh’s foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain said on Sunday the country’s interim government wants good relations with all countries, including India and China.

“Our policy is to maintain good relations with all countries while protecting our national interests,” Touhid, who has the status of a minister, said in his first press conference at the Foreign Ministry in Dhaka.

The interim government, formed last Thursday after ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on August 5 and fled to India, will pursue balanced diplomacy, he said.

“It is pointless to assume that this interim government will focus exclusively on one particular direction. We intend to maintain smooth and positive relations with everyone, including India and China,” Touhid was quoted as saying in Bangladeshi media reports.

When asked about the possibility of bringing Hasina back, he said the matter was under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would take action if a request was made.

The main goals of the government led by 84-year-old economist Muhammad Yunus include restoring order and holding impartial elections.

“Our main objective is to conduct fair and impartial elections. Speculation is unnecessary at this point,” Touhid said.

Bangladesh is taking steps to ensure normal supplies of essential goods, protect minorities and restore normal transport services.

Interior Adviser M. Sakhawat Hussain has ordered all police officers to report for duty by Thursday, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha news agency reported.

Mass protests against Hasina’s Awami League government led to chaos in the law enforcement system and the police were accused of committing atrocities against the protesters.

“Lethal weapons were handed over to the police, which was not the right decision,” said Sakhawat, a retired brigadier general.

He said political parties could not use the police as their “armed wing”.