The 2024 National Elections have raised quite a stir in the diplomatic zone. Ambassadors, High Commissioners and diplomats of various countries appointed in Bangladesh have become duly concerned regarding the elections in Bangladesh scheduled next year.
These diplomats are making various comments and expressing opinions about the election being free, fair, and impartial. Even while speaking about the last general election, their stark critical tone is significant. According to international analysts, these comments are out of diplomatic etiquette, however, the media must also be held accountable for these remarks.
As the 12th National Assembly elections are approaching, the diplomats of different countries stationed in Dhaka are becoming more active. They are significantly vocal that elections should be fair and impartial. Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki's speech about the National Assembly elections on Monday sparked criticism across the country.
In a discussion organized by the private research organization Center for Governance Studies (CGS), he said about the election, “I heard, (in the last election) police officers filled the ballot boxes the night before. I have not heard of such instances in any other country. I hope this time there will be no chance that such an incident will not happen. Ito Naoki said, therefore, there should be free and fair elections here. That is our firm hope.”
The Japanese ambassador's statement has received a negative response from the diplomatic and political circles of Bangladesh. Awami League Presidium member and Minister of Agriculture Dr. Abdur Razzak said that foreign diplomats staying in Dhaka will be warned for commenting on Bangladesh's internal politics and elections. He also said that no country's interference will be accepted in the upcoming 12th National Parliament elections.
In response to a question from journalists at the inauguration of Amrakanan, a memorial of the Great Liberation War located in Mujibnagar in Meherpur on Wednesday morning, he further said, "Bangladesh is an independent-sovereign state. This country will never bow down to anyone. The dignity of the country must be maintained at any cost."
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam spoke in the same tone. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs commented that the statement of Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki was undesirable
He also said that an explanation will be sought from the Japanese ambassador for making such a statement. The government will crack down on foreign diplomats who violate etiquette.
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