The government has become annoyed and embarrassed by the comments of the foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka over the upcoming parliament election and human rights situation.
The foreign ministry has already warned several foreign mission heads and sent letters requesting them not to give such comments further. The government is very upset over the remarks made by the foreign envoys.
International affairs experts and security analysts think such statements by foreign ambassadors and high commissioners are an ominous sign for the country.
The envoys of Japan, Canada, USA and the representative of the United Nations have recently raised the question about Bangladesh’s election and human rights. They want to see the participation of all parties in the next elections. They also demanded a fair election. Envoys of Turkey and South Korea also spoke about these matters.
The speech of the Japanese ambassador created much criticism among the government and security experts.
Following this, the foreign ministry summoned the Japanese ambassador and suggested not to make any comments about the internal affairs of Bangladesh.
Ambassadors are giving such statements in the special series of events of a non-governmental organisation. After such remarks by the foreign envoys, the minister and state ministers are avoiding the programmes of the organisation.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and state minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam called upon the foreign ambassadors to perform their duties according to the rules and regulations.
They also urged the media and political parties not to seek an opinion from foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka.
Imtiaz Ahmed, Professor at the International Relations Department of Dhaka University said it is not a new phenomenon that foreign diplomats talk more ahead of the national elections.
“There are still some limitations in our democracy. But, I don't understand why this mentality is created that someone from outside the country will come and make interfere to fill that limitation.”
It should be mind that if there is any kind of division in the politics of Bangladesh, the international community will want to take advantage of that division. They will look for opportunities to negotiate to achieve their interests. They do not interfere except for their interests, he added.
Former Ambassador Humayun Kabir said, “We need to close the gap so that foreigners can't talk about our internal matters. We have many good things that they can talk about. We have to go forward with a strong economy that none can’t talk about our internal matter.”
Security analyst retired Major General Abdur Rashid said every country has some internal issues in diplomatic matters. It is not acceptable for foreign comments about the internal affair of a country.
“Recently we have seen foreigners talking about the election and human rights violations in Bangladesh. This means that some documents of these irregularities have reached their hands. So they are speaking confidently. This is by no means a good thing,” he added.
@ The article was published on print and online versions of The Bangladesh Pratidin on November 26, 2022 and has been rewritten in English by Tanvir Raihan and edited by Golam Rosul.
