Bangladesh Recalls Five Envoys in Significant Diplomatic Reshuffle – Reuters

By Ruma Paul

DHAKA – Bangladesh has recalled five ambassadors, including its envoy to India, as part of a significant diplomatic reshuffle by the interim government, which is working to remove officials associated with the previous administration.

Following weeks of intense protests leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, a new interim government has been established, headed by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus. Hasina’s departure saw her fleeing to India amid the unrest.

The foreign ministry has instructed envoys from Brussels, Canberra, Lisbon, New Delhi, and the permanent mission to the United Nations in New York to return to Dhaka immediately, according to an official who requested anonymity.

One government official suggested that the government may not wish for these envoys to continue their roles, as they were appointed during Hasina’s tenure. The official noted that it would not be surprising if there are additional changes in the diplomatic team.

The transition has prompted a comprehensive administrative overhaul, with numerous senior officials reassigned or transferred. Some contracts have been terminated, compelling many officials to resign or retire earlier than expected. All recalled diplomats are scheduled to take post-retirement leave in December, another source from the foreign ministry confirmed.

The ministry’s notice to the diplomats stated, "You are requested to leave your current posts and return to Dhaka without delay."

This move follows the recent recall of Saida Muna Tasneem, the high commissioner to the UK, who received similar instructions to return.

A spokesperson for the foreign ministry did not comment on when new appointments might be announced.

More than 700 individuals lost their lives during the student-led movement that resulted in Hasina’s ousting, which has strained relations with India. The two countries share a border of about 4,000 kilometers and maritime boundaries in the Bay of Bengal.

In the aftermath of the political changes, minority groups in Bangladesh have reported instances of violence against Hindus. However, the government claims that the violence is politically motivated rather than religiously driven.