Shahriar: Govt not satisfied with diplomats’ movement

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Wednesday said that the government is dissatisfied with the activities of foreign diplomats ahead of the national polls. 

Talking to reporters, the state minister indicated that necessary measures will be taken, if it is required. 

“We don't like it (the activity of diplomats),” he said when asked about the Dhaka-based diplomats' activities ahead of elections. But still we gave them a cultural space. This culture has been there in Bangladesh for a long time. But we want them to move away from this culture in the coming days. Bangladesh will take its own decision,” he said. 

Diplomats, mostly from Western countries, take an apparent mediator role before every election in Bangladesh as the main political parties are at loggerheads.

The state minister said that the election schedule will be announced at any time – in one or two weeks.

“A little patience is needed at this time. Diplomats are our guests. If they do not follow the Vienna Convention, our state also has its responsibility,” he said.

“I know it is difficult for political parties, no matter how much an ambassador transgresses. But everyone's behaviour, gestures and even writing needs to be tolerable.”

Whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will summon any ambassador before announcing the polls schedule, the state minister believed that there would be no need to summon the ambassadors for their activities.

"I don't think it will be necessary. It would be sad if it’s necessary. We know what to do when we run out of options,” he said as a warning.

“We have called some ambassadors in the past and reminded them about the scope of work. I think they will be careful before the election. Because of what they said six months ago, if they repeat it today, the effect will be more. All are in election mode now. Those who are agitating (BNP), are also at the final stage in their language.”

The state minister, however, said that the government does not feel pressured by the activities of foreign diplomats.

 He also expressed hope that the BNP will participate in the elections.

The state minister asked the leaders and activists to be careful about their comments on foreign envoys.

“I would request the workers of all political parties to help us in our work. They should not make any such comments. We (the foreign ministry) have been given the responsibility to convey their (diplomats) errors, to develop relations with them, or to discuss any problems. We know the process. An ordinary political worker will not know or understand these things,” he said.