We have noticed since long when our country’s general election approaches, foreign diplomats become very active and start giving prescriptions.
The ambassadors, high commissioners, and European Union stationed in the capital Dhaka talk about fair polls and express concern over violation of human rights. However, they (foreign diplomats) keep mum when BNP-Jamaat clique carries out arson and petrol bomb attacks and kills people.
It seems their activities become like that of political party. Are they unaware of their code of conduct? Article 41 paragraph 1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 reminds diplomats to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state and unequivocally restricts them from meddling in that nation’s domestic affairs.
It is clear to all that the upcoming parliamentary polls will be held following the Constitution, not following anyone’s prescription. We will listen and take suggestions from our foreign friends, but there is no reason to think that we will remain under anyone’s control or work as per anyone’s order. Polls would not be held as per anyone’s prescription.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Wednesday expressed hope that there will be no need to summon foreign diplomats before the upcoming national election on any issues. Dhaka several times reminded them of their limits in the past. Everyone is now in election mood and it is too close to the election.
We do not want any
country – “does not
matter who” - to interfere
in our internal affairs
Bangladesh is no more subject to any country, it is an independent and sovereign country. So, they (diplomats) should remember it. Some quarters, who visit foreign diplomats to discuss and get suggestions regarding Bangladesh’s internal matters are giving chance to the diplomats to talk about our country’s internal affairs.
It’s very unfortunate that this culture needs to be changed. We want to say clearly that we do not want any country – “does not matter who” - to interfere in our internal affairs.
Bangladesh is an independent and a sovereign country. Country’s people have achieved the country through a war. No country needs to get concerned regarding our internal matters as Bangladesh is now a mature country.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made it clear that as an independent and sovereign country, Bangladesh will never bow down to any external interference or pressure. Bangladesh is following the foreign policy, framed by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, “Friendship to all and malice towards none”.
The ruling Awami League has been working to make friendship with imperative ones and doing whatever necessary to develop the country. Therefore, other countries in the world do not need to give prescriptions to Bangladesh on democracy, human rights and justice as these are deeply rooted in the country’s history.
However, Bangladesh always welcomes constructive suggestions from foreign friends. Bangladesh faced obstacles and conspiracies time and again, but it has successfully overcome these.
So, still many obstacles and conspiracies continue as and when a country makes rapid progress, many may not tolerate it. When the government wants BNP’s full-scale participation in the national election, the BNP looks for excuses to flee from the polls.