Govt takes action against officials over Asif Nazrul’s harassment in Geneva

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken action against two officials in its Geneva mission after Law Adviser Asif Nazrul faced harassment at the airport by the Awami League leaders.

All Bangladesh missions have also been instructed to be vigilant regarding protocol and security following the unpleasant incident.

The foreign ministry's spokesperson Md Toufiq Hasan disclosed this in response to a question at the weekly press briefing on Thursday.

He also expressed concern over the recent negative campaigns against diplomats in social media and various news outlets, calling it unfortunate.

The Bangladesh Mission's Labour Counsellor in Geneva Mohammad Kamrul Islam has faced “stand release”.

Additionally, a local staff member Mizan has been dismissed from the job.

"What happened in Geneva was unexpected and undesirable. Action has already been taken against those responsible," the spokesperson said while disclosing the action.

"Instructions have been sent to all our missions to ensure maximum caution regarding protocol and security in the future," he said.

In response to another question he said, they have observed that there is negative propaganda about various ambassadors and diplomats, including those who are about to be appointed as ambassadors. "This is very unfortunate."

He explained that officers are appointed as ambassadors after gaining 20-25 years of experience, and if they are not qualified, the government does not appoint them as ambassadors.

He further said: "Those who are engaging in such negative campaigns against ambassadors are not doing a good job. In fact, they are tarnishing the image of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the government abroad."

Regarding reforms in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he mentioned that retired or about-to-retire diplomats who have served as ambassadors are no longer having their tenures extended.

He informed that 7-8 diplomats are set to retire in December, and none of them will have their tenure extended.

"This will encourage the younger generation of diplomats, as extending the tenures of senior diplomats would reduce the chances of younger diplomats becoming ambassadors," he said.