Bangladesh recalls five envoys including high commissioner to India
- In Reports
- 01:11 PM, Oct 03, 2024
- Myind Staff
Bangladesh's interim government has recalled five of its diplomats, which includes the high commissioner to India, amid ongoing political turmoil in the country. According to a foreign ministry official who spoke to Reuters on Thursday, the envoys stationed in Brussels, Canberra, Lisbon, New Delhi, and at the permanent mission to the United Nations in New York were instructed to return to Dhaka immediately. The diplomats were told to promptly transfer their responsibilities before returning, though no further explanation was given for the decision.
This step follows the recent recall of Saida Muna Tasneem, Bangladesh’s high commissioner to Britain, indicating a broader reshuffling of diplomatic posts by the interim government. The recalls come in the wake of major political alterations in the country, triggered by massive protests that led to the resignation of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5. Hasina fled to India after intense unrest gripped the nation.
The current interim government, now headed by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, came in power after weeks of violent protests. A student-led movement, which later became a front foot reason of Hasina’s removal; resulted in more than 700 deaths during protest. The widespread violence has raised concerns about the country’s political stability and its relationships with neighbouring India, with which it shares a 4,000-km border and maritime boundaries in the Bay of Bengal.
Although the interim government has framed the violence as politically motivated, minority groups in Bangladesh, particularly the Hindu community, have voiced fears of targeted attacks. Reports of violence against minorities have surfaced in the aftermath of the political upheaval, heightening tensions in the country.
As Bangladesh continues to navigate this period of uncertainty, the diplomatic reshuffle and the broader political landscape remain closely watched, especially as the interim government works to stabilise the nation after weeks of deadly unrest. The future of relations with India and other neighbouring countries will likely depend on how quickly peace is restored.
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