Foreign Minister Dipu Moni hinted that some of the diplomats were not following diplomatic norms while expressing concern on different issues regarding Bangladesh, on Wednesday.
“Activities behind the scene are a secret matter. I cannot comments on what is happening behind the scenes, but of course, we hope that if the diplomats have any concern they will express it in line with diplomatic norms. I will say that most of the diplomats follow the diplomatic norms,” she told reporters at the ministry after briefing diplomats on the current political situation.
About the trip of US Ambassador Dan W Mozena to India, she said he could always go there to discuss the US policy towards the Indian Ocean region.
“If any ambassador or the diplomatic community has any concerns with Bangladesh, it is a norm to discuss it with us. It is not within the norms to discuss it outside. We hope that they will follow the norms,” she said.
The minister said she had a talk with the US ambassador and that he gave her conformation, that his trip to China had been a rumour.
Dipu said the diplomats, in the meeting, expressed concern over violence. “As a friend, they do not want any violence. They want solutions [of the ongoing situation] through peaceful dialogues.”
Canadian High Commissioner Heather Cruden expressed concern and frustration over the recent political turmoil. She hoped that the political parties will sit in a dialogue to reach a solution, confirmed several diplomats after the meeting.
The foreign minister said she had briefed the diplomats about the upcoming election and overall issues in the backdrop of many talking about uncertainty over the polls and crisis.
Public Administration Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister HT Imam was also present at the meeting.
The diplomats hoped that the prime minister and the leader of the opposition would sit together, Dipu said.
“They also hoped that there will be a free, fair and credible election, and that the democratic process would prevail in Bangladesh,” she said.
The government is committed to hold a free and fair election, and it hoped that the leader of the opposition would positively respond to the offer extended by the prime minister to resolve the problems, the minister added.
The US envoy said he was encouraged by what the foreign minister had said.
“The foreign minister spoke of the standing invitation for leaders to get together. I am very much encouraged by these developments.”
He said the door for dialogue had been open and hoped that the opportunity would be seized by the parties.
