DHAKA, Jan 30, 2020 (BSS) – Foreign minister Dr AK Abdul Momen today hoped that the foreign diplomats here will follow the ‘code of conduct’, saying some overseas missions do interfere in Bangladesh’s domestic affairs.
“It’s sad… some foreign missions here are interfering in our domestic issues … it’s not right as they interfere in domestic issues beyond their own duties,” he told journalists after attending a programme at Bangabandhu Conference Centre in the capital.
The minister talked on the issue as it was reported that some foreign diplomats held a meeting at the British High Commissioner’s residence here ahead of the Dhaka city mayoral polls.
“They (diplomats) should have their sense of responsibility. We expect that they’ll follow their sense of responsibility,” Momen said.
He said the Election Commission (EC) will decide who will go (to observe polls) and who will not. “We’ve a code of conduct. Diplomats do have, too. We expect they’ll work as per the code of conduct,” he added.
The foreign minister said they may tell the diplomats to return to their respective countries if they violate the code of conduct.
About the mayoral polls, Momen said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed all concerned to hold a model election without any interference of the government.
“We’ve a very fair and judicious system. We’re very transparent. Our election will be a very transparent one,” he said.
Earlier today, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Robert Chatterton Dickson, at a press briefing at his residence, expressed his aspiration that the Dhaka city elections will be free and fair where people will be able to cast their votes in a festive and peaceful atmosphere.
The envoy said he met the Election Commission and all four mayoral candidates and had good discussions with them. He said it is very normal for a diplomat to meet people and know what is going on in the country.
Mayoral and councilor polls of both Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) and Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) will be held on February 1.