Experts at a discussion on Thursday laid emphasis on pragmatic and effective steps to counter anti-Bangladesh campaign and efforts to undermine the country’s achievements.
They laid emphasis on identifying the points from where disinformation and anti-Bangladesh propaganda are being spread and address it with proper counter efforts based on facts, reports UNB.
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen hosted the views exchange programme at the Foreign Service Academy that lasted for over two hours.
"In three places you need to give attention: London, Brussels and Washington DC. There is scope to work there," said former chairman of National Human Rights Commission Prof Dr Mizanur Rahman, drawing the foreign minister’s attention.
He said it would be too late if steps are not taken urgently as he indicated that things are being generated and drafts are being made from these places.
Apparently referring to BNP-Jamaat's “investment for anti-Bangladesh propaganda,” Prof Mizan said it is more important to know whether those elements are countered properly instead of looking into who is paying money for those acts.
What is happening from “London against Bangladesh and involvement of David Bergman in drafting disinformation-driven documents” also came up for discussion.
"Are we doing enough to counter those conspiracies?" — Prof Mizan questioned, adding, "you need to send people from the civil society there."
Dhaka University's International Relations Department Prof Dr Delwar Hossain said those who are trying to keep Bangladesh under pressure also once appreciated it as a model for economic development and democratic strength.
"It is part of their diplomacy… Bangladesh is being undermined and many tiny issues are seen in a big way," he said.
Prof Delwar said this reality is time specific. After this particular period those powers will change their tone and attitude.
Shamsher M Chowdhury Bir Bikram ruled out the “propaganda regarding UN intervention in Bangladesh election,” noting that the UN cannot take any decision alone.
Prof Shahab Enam Khan said the Bangladesh Embassy in the US is extraordinarily engaged and they are doing tremendous work.
Sharing his experience of spending the last year in the US, he said Bangladesh Ambassador Muhammad Imran is extremely effective and he is reaching out to the US side regularly. "We must recognise that."
Prof Shahab said Bangladesh must diversify its market and labour mobility, for which Africa can be a good destination.
"We have a robust human capacity to work in hostile environments, as seen in the case of UN peacekeeping missions in Africa or our people working in desert areas, that would enable us to create new markets in African countries," he said.
The government, private sector, and former military officers who served in Africa can come together to explore new opportunities, he said.
"I must stress that Bangladesh enjoys unfathomable support from the African population. Hence, the ministry of foreign affairs can host an African level summit in Bangladesh," he added.
The foreign affairs experts laid emphasis on having constructive engagement continuously with follow-up measures.
Constructive role of the media also came up for discussion and the importance of fact-based objective journalism was highlighted.
One of the discussants mentioned a “BNP-deployed political individual” at the US State Department who keeps poking on various issues routinely.
Some of the discussants raised the “false information contained in the recent letter of the US Congressmen” and other such letters against Bangladesh and its minorities — Hindus and Christians.
The discussants came up with various suggestions that need to be implemented ahead of the next national election.
The issue of inviting experienced election observers was also discussed.
"We had a quality discussion. We mainly listened to them and noted their suggestions. We are thankful to them," said Foreign Minister Momen.
“It is nothing new. We hold such dialogue regularly,” he said after the lengthy meeting with the experts that lasted for over two hours.
Former diplomats Farooq Sobhan, Tariq A Karim, Waliur Rahman, Abdul Hannan, Brigadier General (Retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, Maj Gen (Retd) Abdur Rashid, Prof Abdul Mannan, former Supreme Court Justice AHM Shamsuddin Choudhury Manik, Prof Dr Lailufar Yasmin, DrRashid Askari, Prof Dr Mamun-Al-Mahtab (Shwapnil), Dr Miltan Biswas, journalists Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul, Nayeemul Islam Khan, Swadesh Roy, Rahul Raha and senior foreign ministry officials, among others, were present.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
