The main opposition party, Awami League, considers that Bangladesh should foster its relationship with all countries of the world without "compromising" friendly ties with its close neighbours.

Talking to the press at a city hotel yesterday, the newly elected International Affairs Secretary of the party Syed Abul Hossain said, "Better cooperation means greater development."

Hossain did not see "any problem" in Bangladesh's recent focus on the countries in the east -- China, Thailand and Myanmar -- as long it continues its traditional friendly relationship with the neighbours.

Replying to a question regarding any possible fallout of this move on Indo-Bangla relations, he said, "We've to observe further whether Indo-Bangla relationship is deteriorating or not. If the government wishes we are always ready to help it in cementing relations with all neighbours."

In this regard he stressed on the need for Bangladesh' more active role in enlivening the regional cooperation caucus, SAARC.

Syed Abul Hossain welcomed the prime minister's recent China visit but was critical about closure of the office of the Economic Minister at Bangladesh's mission in China.

On Bangladesh's signing of a defence cooperation agreement with China during the visit, the AL leader said, "Since I have not seen the terms and other details of the agreement it would be premature for me to comment on it. However, Awami League, in general, wel-

comes all forms of interstate cooperation."

He said, "We are not in a position to comment on what the government is telling the press about the defence cooperation agreement with China". The government should divulge the contents of the agreement and "the issue should be discussed in the next session of the parliament," he said.

All important issues including international agreements should be discussed in the parliament. "I regret to say that such a culture has not developed in the country."

Hossain, also a former minister, informed that the Leader of the Opposition in Parliament and AL chief Sheikh Hasina might undertake a visit to China sometime in the first half of 2003 at the invitation of the Chinese government.