Several foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka sat with some senior leaders of the BNP last night, a day after the European Union, the US and the UK expressed concerns over the ongoing violent political situation.
Nothing could be confirmed officially about the hour-long meeting as no one wished to speak to the media on record after the meeting.
The meeting, held at the Gulshan residence of BNP’s Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan, began around 7:30pm.
Two other Standing Committee members – Mahbubur Rahman and Rafiqul Islam Mia, and party chairperson’s Adviser Dr Mushfiqur Rahman were also present.
BNP sources said at the meeting the leaders briefed the diplomats on the party’s stance regarding its agitation programmes, especially the “confinement” of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia at her office since January 3.
Pierre Mayaudon, the EU Head of Delegation, led the diplomats of Spain, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Netherlands, France and Canada in the meeting. The Canadian High Commissioner had a representative too.
On Wednesday, the EU head of delegation along with some diplomats met with Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and expressed concern over the current political situation and called for genuine dialogue to strengthen democracy.
Expressing concern over the shrinking democratic space, they also condemned the “aggression” perpetrated against BNP chief’s Adviser Reaz Rahman as well as the horrific attack against the passengers of a bus in Rangpur.
The US State Department and its embassy in Dhaka have also issued separate statements condemning the attack on Reaz Rahman and the ongoing violence. The US called on all parties to “exercise restraint and eschew violence and intimidation” while urged the government to ensure people can freely exercise their right to “peaceful political expression.”
On the other hand, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Gibson expressed deep sadness and concern at the attack on Reaz Rahman and continuing reports of violence.
“The UK continues to call for all parties to exercise restraint and moderation and respect the rule of law, and to come together in a dialogue to break the cycle of violence and disruption,” Gibson said in a statement.
