MoFa condemns Kalbela report on diplomats' refusal for Dhaka return as 'false, baseless'
No official from the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur has provided such information to Kalbela, ministry says
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned a recent report by the Bangla daily Kalbela on diplomats' refusal to return to Dhaka, stating it was "baseless and false".
In a statement today (18 March), the ministry said it has taken note of the report titled "Diplomats refuse to return despite summons" published in Kalbela on 17 March.
"The news mentions that according to an official from the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur, who received a notice to return to Dhaka, the diplomats are unwilling to comply with the current government's orders, stating that 'since the constitution of Bangladesh does not provide for an interim government, they are not willing to follow any orders of the current government.'
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"The report further quotes the official saying, 'We will not go back to the country to continue working under the interim government. If we return, we will be harassed in various ways. Moreover, returning to the country poses a threat to our lives, so we will not return.'"
Upon inquiry, the statement said, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that no official from the Bangladesh High Commission in Kuala Lumpur has provided such information to Kalbela or any other media outlet.
"The statements mentioned are completely baseless and false. This type of information is an attempt to tarnish the image of the concerned official and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is condemnable," said the ministry.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further said it respects independent and responsible journalism. "However, publishing baseless news goes against the professional commitment and ethical responsibility of the media.
"According to the basic principles of journalism, verifying information and reporting accurately is of utmost importance."
Therefore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the media outlet concerned to immediately verify the authenticity of the news and provide correct information.
"At the same time, the ministry requests that the media refrain from broadcasting such baseless and misleading news in the future."
