General Noor Uddin, a minister without portfolio, believes that a "non-partisan foreign policy" - not scientific steps - is enough to fight the possible effects of nudear explosions in the neighbouring countries.

The minister made this revelation Monday in parliament.

Jatiya Party legislator Rustam Ali Farazi wanted to know whether the government was aware of any effects of the nuclear blasts in Pakistan and India last year. "If yes. what steps the government are planning to take in this regard?"

"Friendship to all and malice to none - is the main theme of our government s foreign policy. The nuclear explosion in India or Pakistan would therefore have no effects on our country." replied Awami League MP General Noor Uddin, a former energy minister.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is in charge of the defence ministry, while the former general is assigned to take care of the ministry issues in parliament.