Home ›› National

Dhaka ensures diplomats security as per Vienna Convention: Momen

Polls will be held timely, won't be deferred, he says
UNB . Dhaka
19 Nov 2023 16:41:15 | Update: 19 Nov 2023 20:43:48
Dhaka ensures diplomats security as per Vienna Convention: Momen
Caption: Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen addresses reporters at his office in Dhaka on Sunday — UNB Photo

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Saturday said Bangladesh is committed and has been ensuring security of all foreign diplomats stationed here as per Vienna Convention.

“We are committed, we guarantee the safety and security of all the diplomats (stationed here) ... we follow the Vienna Convention word by word,” he told the reporters at his foreign ministry office.

The foreign minister made the remarks while replying to a query on the US embassy’s concern over the security of its employees in Bangladesh. 

Momen urged the diplomats of friendly countries not to violate the Vienna Convention during discharging their duties here.

Regarding the verbal attacks against the US ambassador Peter Haas, the foreign minister said, it is not possible to refrain someone from making any statement as Bangladesh believes in free of speech and freedom of media. 

But, he said, if anyone committed any outrageous act, the government will definitely take action.

Earlier, the foreign minister held meeting with the visiting Cross-Party Delegation of the Scottish Parliament.

During the meeting, they discussed on different issues related to climate change, Rohingya crisis and investment potential in Bangladesh and labour rights.

“We have a good discussion..they are our good friends,” he said.

'Polls will be held timely, won't be deferred'

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Sunday said the national election will be held as per the election schedule announced by the Election Commission.

"Certainly it will not be deferred. Election will be held timely," he said responding to a reporter wanted to know whether there is any scope of deferring the polls.

He said enthusiasm is seen everywhere after the announcement of polls schedule and the people of the country are waiting for the elections.

Momen said many leaders and supporters of BNP may leave the party and join with other political parties if BNP does not join polls.

He said this will show a history how a political party born inside Cantonment loses its credibility.

The Foreign Minister said BNP is most welcome to join the polls as the EC is not creating any barriers.

"We want to see a free and fair elections. We believe in democracy. There is only way to change the power in a democratic process. That is election," said the Foreign Minister.

He said BNP is showing many excuses.

Momen said those who will destroy people's property will be punished. "These are not acceptable. They should seek apology to people."

Responding to a question, Momen said the US does not have headache about elections in other countries but talking every day about Bangladesh.

He said they should form a political party named "Ambassadors Party" and few people may vote them if they guarantee that they will take those to their countries who will vote in favour of Ambassadors Party.

×