FM not in PM's entourage

Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen's absence from the entourage of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India came as a surprise in diplomatic and political circles.

Though sources close to Momen's family cited 'illness' as the reason behind his staying back, many believe that he was advised not to accompany the PM for his recent remarks.

When Mr Momen briefed the newsmen on PM's Delhi visit on Sunday, he did not mention that he would not be accompanying the head of government.

Traditionally, a foreign minister always accompanies the Prime Minister on any official tour abroad.

His absence from the entourage was known just when the Prime Minister flew for Delhi on Monday morning, without him.

Even during the briefing on Sunday, the minister was unusually reluctant to reply to key questions related to the visit.

Most of the questions were answered by his deputy, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam.

Recently Mr Momen has drawn flak from the party high-ups for his remarks in a Chittagong meeting where he said he had requested India to extend cooperation to make sure that the Hasina government continues to stay in power.

The opposition parties also came down heavily on such remarks.

But on Sunday the minister claimed that his remarks were twisted by the media and others.

The embroiled foreign minister said he sought cooperation of India in eliminating terrorism and communalism to ensure stability in the region.

"Our Prime Minister is the symbol of regional stability as she has shown zero tolerance to terrorism and communalism," the minister said, adding that he had explained the importance of the stability of this government.

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com