Action if foreign envoys don’t stop their activities around elections

Threats Shahriar Alam

Diplomatic Correspondent: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam said that the government is dissatisfied with the activities of foreign ambassadors around the upcoming 12th National Parliament elections. He indicated to take necessary measures if the diplomats do not stop this activity.
The state minister expressed the government’s displeasure while talking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after returning home from Saudi Arabia on Wednesday.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said, we do not like the matter (activities of diplomats). But still we gave them a cultural space. This culture has been in Bangladesh for a long time. But we want them to move away from this culture in the coming days. Bangladesh will take the decision.
He said that the schedule will be announced anytime. In a week or two. A little patience is needed at this time. Ambassadors are our guests.
If they (foreign embassies) do not follow the Vienna Convention, our state is also responsible. I know it is difficult for political parties, no matter how much an ambassador transgresses. But everyone’s behavior, gestures and even writing needs to be tolerable.
When asked whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will immediately call the ambassadors before announcing the schedule, the state minister said, we have called some ambassadors alone in the past and reminded them about the scope of work. The communication with them this month I think they will be careful before the election. Because what they said six months ago, if they repeat it today, the effect will be more. Because now everyone is in election mode. Those who are agitating, (BNP) are at the final stage in their language.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs believes that there will be no need to summon the ambassadors for their activities. “I don’t think it will be necessary,” he added. It would be sad if necessary. When we have no other options, we know what to do.
Shahriar Alam also made it clear that the government does not feel pressured by the activities of foreign diplomats at this time.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs said warning about the comments of political leaders and activists about foreign envoys, I would request the workers of all political parties to help us in our work. They should not make such comments. We have been given responsibility. To convey their (the messengers’) errors. To develop relations with them (emissaries) or to discuss any problems. We know the process.