Those trying to undermine peacekeepers’ achievements are Bangladesh’s enemies: Shahriar
Diplomatic Correspondent :
State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Md Shahriar Alam, strongly condemned those who are attempting to undermine the accomplishments of Bangladesh’s peacekeepers in UN missions, labeling them as enemies of the country.
He expressed deep disappointment over their actions, emphasizing that Bangladesh’s peacekeepers are a source of pride and an exemplary force globally.
“Peacekeepers are our pride. They have set an example in the whole world. But those who are trying to undermine them are the enemies of the country,” he said.
He made these remarks while participating in the event “DECAB Talk” at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital city on Sunday.
“Instead of being friends of Bangladesh, these individuals are actively working against the country’s achievements and attempting to undermine the efforts of its peacekeepers,” the state minister said.
He also said that people of the country should be aware of those who incite and provoke them, regardless of whether they hold positions as congressmen, senators, president and prime minister.
“We have no reason to react to their letters as these are their internal communications,” he said adding that some individuals have been opposed to Bangladesh ever since the war criminals’ trials.
He further said that the number of such letters will only increase as the national election is approaching nearer.
He also said that he has two draft letters in his hands which BNP people are roaming around to reach out to European and American politicians and trying to convince them.
Whatever is the subject matter in such a letter is not the position of any state, but it is an effort to create noise, Shahriar said, adding that “We don’t want to spend people’s hard-earned money for such efforts.”
He has also that Bangladesh will never welcome any intervention from friendly nations regarding its internal matters, including elections.
“We have never referred to any friendly country concerning Bangladesh’s internal elections to make any comments outside our framework, Constitution, Election Commission, or government decisions. We will never encourage friendly nations to intervene in this matter,” he said.
The State Minister further added, “We have said this in the past as well, regarding our position. Even if anyone does or attempts to do so, we will never welcome it. However, the Election Commission is the appropriate authority responsible for ensuring a transparent electoral process. The government will fully cooperate with them in securing a fair election.”
Even the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also stated that her government will provide complete support for ensuring a transparent electoral process, he mentioned.
Regarding foreign observers in elections, the State Minister said, “If they (foreign observers) want to send observers, we have made it very clear. Those who are friends of Bangladesh and have also provided assistance in the past. Apart from this, we have not welcomed any interference in elections in any other country, and we will not do so in the future.”
Replying to a query, the state minister said, the government is “not feeling any pressure” ahead of the national election as the Election Commission will proceed as per the Constitution.
Referring to the events 10 years ago, he said that there was no word like “fear” in the dictionary of Awami League and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DECAB) organised the event, where the President of DECAB, Rezaul Karim Lotus, and the organization’s General Secretary, Imrul Kayes, also made statements.
