Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Thursday reminded Dhaka-based diplomats about their responsibilities, and warned that failure to adhere to their ‘code of conduct’ can compel the government to ask them to leave.
The comment came following diplomats movement over the February 1 Dhaka City Corporation elections. A group of diplomats’ mostly western countries on Wednesday sat together and discussed the elections issue at the residence of the British High Commissioner.
High Commissioner Robert Dickson at a briefing on Thursday termed it a ‘normal’ engagement as part of diplomats’ regular activity in a host country.
He, however, said they want to see a ‘free, fair and peaceful’ election with the results reflecting people’s wish. He said he will also visit polling stations along with his other colleagues.
The foreign minister, when asked after an event on Thursday, told reporters that the election commission has a code of conduct and they will decide who will go to the polling station and who will not.
“Diplomats also have code of conduct. They should have their sense of responsibilities and we expect that they will follow their own sense of responsibilities.”
What if they don’t follow? “We’ll tell them to leave,” he replied.
He said the elections will be free and fair as expected by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina who directed all concerned to have a ‘model’ election without any interference from the government.
“We have a very fair and judicious system. We are very transparent. Our election will be a very transparent one,” he said.