Diplomatic Correspondent :
Foreign Affairs Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain has stated that the diplomats of different missions have expressed their concerns over the security of their investments as well as human rights violations during the student moment.
Taking stock of the matter, the adviser has assured them that the interim government will ensure the safety and security of their investment, and the government is also working to protect human rights.
He came up with statements in reply to the questions of the journalists after the briefing to the diplomats at the State Guest House Padma in the capital on Monday.
A total of 65 envoys from different missions participated in the event. Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen was also present on the occasion.
The foreign adviser also expressed that the diplomats have expressed concerns about the stateless Rohingya issue and the safety of the foreign students here.
Touhid Hossain said that security would be beefed up in consultation with the adviser to the home ministry.
In reply to a question about former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India, he said, “Her stay in India would not affect the bilateral relations between the two countries because of an individual.
Bilateral relations are a big matter, and they depend on mutual interests. Both sides have their own interests.”
“We would try our best to move forward our interests in international relations,” he continued.
During the briefing to the diplomats, the foreign adviser, in a written statement, told the diplomats, “The then Awami League government, in their efforts to suppress the popular movement, committed gross human rights violations by abusing and misusing state power.
However, the sheer force of ‘people’s power’ added momentum to the movement, leading to the fall of the authoritarian regime.”
Regarding the trial of deaths, he said, “The interim government makes it a priority to ensure justice and accountability for all deaths and violence committed during the recent mass uprising through nationally-led, independent investigation and judicial processes.”
“In the process, the government shall remain engaged with relevant international partners, including the UN, to avail itself of appropriate support for facilitating such processes in a sound and seamless manner,” he added.
Seeking support from the international community, he said, “As part of our renewed nation-building efforts, Bangladesh would need the unstinting support and cooperation of the international community.
The interim government appreciates the positive and constructive remarks of our international partners after its formation.”
“The government affirms that it will nurture friendly relations with all countries in the spirit of mutual respect, understanding, and shared interests,” he added.
Expressing the interim government’s commitment to international laws, he said, “We affirm that the government shall uphold and promote all its international legal obligations, including international humanitarian law and international human rights law.”
Urging the international community to continue its assistance for Rohingyas, the adviser said, “The government shall remain seized with supporting the Rohingya sheltered in Bangladesh.
We seek continued support of the international community in Rohingya humanitarian operations and their sustainable repatriation.”
Highlighting that the government would not follow the path of vendetta, he said, “The government has made it absolutely clear that this is no time for vendetta witch-hunting that can potentially undermine the outcome of the uprising. Our students have unequivocally echoed this sentiment.”
Drawing attention to the international financial institution, he said, “The government urges all the development partners, including the multilateral development banks and other international financial institutions, to extend meaningful support to Bangladesh to help tide over the economic challenges we face.”
“The government calls upon international trade and investment partners to maintain their trust in Bangladesh and work in partnership with Bangladesh to help improve our labour sector, environmental standards, and logistics efficiency,” he added.
“We shall not allow any legitimate foreign business interest to be affected. We urge that our expatriates, especially those in major migrant-hosting countries, continue to enjoy their rights and protections,” he continued.
In the beginning of the statement, he said, “You are all aware that Bangladesh witnessed a second liberation last week through a mass uprising spearheaded by valiant students.
The combined forces of the students and people have emerged victorious against the forces of authoritarianism and repression in their quest to end discrimination and inequities.”
At the end, he said, “We believe that all our friends and partners in the international community will continue to stand by the interim government and our people as we embark on charting a new future for Bangladesh.”
The Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Yao Wen, told the journalists that the political shift in Bangladesh was an internal issue. “Our policy is not to intervene in the internal affairs of any country.”
Regarding the formation of the interim government, he has welcomed the new government, adding that China would continue working with Bangladesh and expand the relations.