Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has recalled five ambassadors, including the High Commissioner to India, Mustafizur Rahman, amid ongoing political turmoil following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The recalls are part of a broader diplomatic reshuffle that reflects the country’s strained international relations, particularly in light of recent student-led protests against systemic corruption and authoritarian governance.
In a significant diplomatic overhaul, the government of Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus, has issued orders recalling five envoys, including the High Commissioner to India, Mustafizur Rahman. This decision has been reported by the Bangla daily Prothom Alo and entails the immediate return of these diplomats to Dhaka. The reshuffle also includes the recall of the Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, Muhammad Abdul Muhith, and ambassadors to Belgium, Australia, and Portugal: Mahbub Hassan Saleh, M Allama Siddiqui, and Rezina Ahmed, respectively. This move follows the earlier recall of Saida Muna Tasneem, who served as the High Commissioner to Britain. The backdrop to this major diplomatic shift is the recent political turmoil within Bangladesh, particularly after the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The political climate has become increasingly tumultuous, exacerbated by violent protests led by students against a controversial job quota system, where demands for employment equity escalated into broader dissent against systemic corruption and authoritarian governance. The protests led to Hasina’s resignation on August 5, prompting her escape to India, with Yunus subsequently appointed head of the interim government on August 8.
The political landscape in Bangladesh is witnessing notable changes following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, a move that has strained relations with neighboring India. The protests that led to her resignation were fundamentally rooted in demands for fair employment opportunities, which morphed into significant movements against corruption and authoritarian practices within the government. In response to this political instability, the interim government under Muhammad Yunus has taken decisive actions, including the recall of several diplomats who play pivotal roles in shaping Bangladesh’s international relations, particularly with India and other nations.
The recent diplomatic reshuffle within Bangladesh’s government marks a critical response to the ongoing political crisis and strained international relations. The recalls of key envoys, especially the High Commissioner to India, may signal an attempt to recalibrate Bangladesh’s foreign policy amidst domestic upheaval and the need for international engagement. As the interim government navigates these turbulent waters, the situation remains dynamic and warrants close observation.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
