Two senior Bangladeshi diplomats stationed in India were suspended from their duties following directives from Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus. Shaban Mahmud, First Secretary (Press) at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi, and Ranjan Sen, who held a similar position at the Bangladeshi consulate in Kolkata, were both dismissed from their roles, signaling a significant shift in the country’s diplomatic stance.
The interim government, established in the wake of mass protests and political turmoil that led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, ordered these suspensions as part of a broader restructuring of the nation’s diplomatic corps. The dramatic political changes in Bangladesh saw Ms. Hasina, 76, flee the country to India on August 5, as demonstrators overwhelmed Dhaka’s streets, bringing an end to her 15-year rule, which had been marred by allegations of human rights abuses.
The ousting of Ms. Hasina was marked by significant violence, with reports indicating that more than 450 people lost their lives during the unrest. Despite the turmoil, Muhammad Yunus has asserted that his government remains committed to maintaining friendly international relations, particularly with neighboring countries like India.
In a televised address, Yunus emphasized the importance of fostering positive ties with all nations and reassured the international community of Bangladesh’s commitment to multilateralism, with the United Nations playing a central role in its foreign policy. Yunus also called for continued global support as Bangladesh navigates its transition towards a fully functional democracy.
This shake-up in the diplomatic ranks reflects the broader changes taking place in Bangladesh as the new government works to stabilize the nation and re-establish its position on the global stage. The removal of Mahmud and Sen signals a shift in how Bangladesh intends to manage its international relations during this period of political recalibration.
The situation remains fluid, with the interim government continuing to consolidate power and address the challenges posed by the recent upheaval. As Bangladesh works towards rebuilding and ensuring democratic processes, the international community will be closely watching the developments in this critical South Asian nation.
Sources By Agencies
