Bangladesh has lashed out at China after the latter threatened severe consequences if Dhaka joined any activities driven by the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or QUAD.

"It's very regrettable," Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said.

According to Dhaka Tribune, the minister did not expect such behaviour from China though he added that any country can uphold its position. "We’re an independent and sovereign state. We decide our [own]  foreign policy. But yes, any country can uphold its position," Dhaka Tribune quoted him as saying.

On Monday, China warned Bangladesh of grave consequences if the latter participated in QUAD driven initiatives.

“Bilateral relations with Bangladesh would be substantially damaged if it joins hands with [Quad] initiatives,” Radio Free Asia quoted Chinese Ambassador in Bangladesh Li Jiming as saying.

This was not the first time that China issued such warnings. Last month, Chinese Defence Minister Gen. Wei Fenghe who called on Bangladesh President Mohammad Abdul Hamid also insisted that the two countries should join hands to form a military alliance in South Asia.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has maintained that Dhaka will follow policies best suited for the country and will not be dictated by any other power in the world.

Momen even reminded how Hasina had stood up to the US earlier when Washington had asked Dhaka to sell gas. Hasina’s reply to the US was “Who’re you?” She also made it clear that Bangladesh would decide only after keeping a reserve for 50 years.

Bangladesh’s importance in the emerging Indo Pacific geopolitical contours has been increasing in the last few months. Indications are that the QUAD members—US, Japan and Australia besides India—are keen at a QUAD plus group to maintain balance in the Indo-Pacific region. However, Momen said that the country has not been approached.