US-Russia statements on Bangladesh politics undesirable: Foreign secretary

The statements and counter statements on Bangladesh politics from Washington and Moscow are "undesirable," and Dhaka has no intention of discussing this matter, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said yesterday.

"Delhi does not concern itself with the votes in Bangladesh, like the West," he said in response to a question from journalists at the foreign ministry following his return after the foreign secretary-level meeting in the Indian capital.

When journalists brought up the conflicting statements regarding the role of US Ambassador Peter Haas, Momen responded, "Look, I don't want to comment on that."

He added, "We can talk about what is happening in Bangladesh. The discussions among third or fourth countries are of little concern to us; it can be said that the matter is unexpected. We don't want to discuss it." 

When journalists pointed out that even though Dhaka did not wish to discuss the issue, it remains pertinent to Bangladesh, the foreign secretary remarked, "We have seen China talk before. We have not asked anyone to comment. This kind of talk is not desirable for us."

On 22 November, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in an embassy brief that Peter Haas had met with a high-ranking representative of the local opposition at the end of October and reportedly discussed plans to organise mass anti-government protests.

In response to The Business Standard's query on this matter, the US Embassy in Dhaka released a statement from a US State Department spokesperson, stating, "We are aware of Ms Zakharova's deliberate mischaracterisation of US foreign policy and Ambassador Haas's meetings. The United States does not support any political party in Bangladesh.

"Nor does the United States favour one political party over another. We want what the Bangladeshi people themselves want: free and fair elections that are conducted in a peaceful manner." 

 'Delhi is not worried about the vote in Bangladesh' 

Following the annual consultative meeting of the foreign ministries of the two countries held in Delhi, Masud bin Momen returned to Dhaka on Saturday evening.

"Dhaka has informed Delhi about the preparations for the elections. Delhi does not have the headache over the polls like the West. The country has confidence in the preparations of the commission and the government for a fair and free election," he said.

"They said our people would decide through the constitutional process. The election will be held accordingly. We have a vision of holding free and fair elections," Momen said. "They have no concern about our elections. They have full confidence in our institution and our process."

The foreign secretary has reported that, ahead of the 12th parliamentary elections, the government has requested India take steps to prevent the smuggling of firearms and items that could be used in sabotage.

The foreign secretaries of Bangladesh and India held a meeting in New Delhi, with Masud bin Momen representing Dhaka and Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra representing Delhi. This marked the second foreign secretary-level meeting in approximately eight months.

On 24 November, the foreign secretary briefed around 90 heads of missions based in New Delhi on the recent political situation and preparations for the upcoming general election in Bangladesh.

Regarding the meeting with diplomats, the foreign secretary mentioned that representatives of various countries have expressed interest in observing the elections in Bangladesh.

Ambassador Imran to return to Washington well before polls 

Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA Muhammad Imran is currently on home leave, and the foreign secretary has clarified that he will return to Washington well in advance of the next national election.

In response to a question, Masud mentioned that all ambassadors are entitled to various types of leave, including home leave, medical leave, or emergency leave. It can also be for rejuvenation in a third place after a period of intensive work, for example, one year.

In response to an earlier report stating that Ambassador Imran had gone on leave for an indefinite period, the foreign secretary clarified that he was granted leave, and there is a limit for home leave, typically not exceeding a month.

Furthermore, the foreign secretary noted that during a meeting between the foreign secretaries of Bangladesh and India in New Delhi, the discussion included PK Halder, a former managing director of Global Islami Bank (formerly NRB Global), who is currently on trial in India.

However, due to the ongoing trial, India did not delve further into the details of the matter