Foreign Secretary brushes aside sanctions worries

FE REPORT | Published: December 28, 2023 23:10:16

There is "no reason" for the USA to impose sanctions against Bangladesh if the upcoming elections are held in a "free and fair" manner, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen said on Thursday.
"And it is beyond our understanding why there is talk of sanctions before the elections have even taken place," the foreign secretary said while interacting with members of the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Bangladesh (DCAB).
"If the elections are conducted freely and fairly, then I see no reason to be apprehensive about any sanctions," he added.
The US Department of State in September announced to impose visa restrictions on Bangladeshi individuals "responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh".
A statement issued by the State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller mentioned "these individuals include members of law enforcement, the ruling party, and the political opposition" and "their immediate family may be found ineligible for entry into the United States."
While Masud Bin Momen acknowledged any country's sovereign right to impose sanctions, he said, "I don't think it would be logical in this case."
Asked whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has prepared for potential post-election sanctions, Momen said, "We will address any challenges that may arise, depending on the situation."
He stressed that "such apprehension should not deter us from ensuring free and fair elections."
"The government is committed to holding a free and fair election," he reiterated.
Responding to a query about the upcoming polls' credibility due to the absence of a major opposition party like the BNP, Momen said, "The main issue is voter participation and conducting the elections freely and fairly."
The foreign secretary also underscored Bangladesh's success in maintaining "equal ties with rival powers in the new multipolar world."
"In fact, many countries have praised us for successfully handling foreign relations with all the superpowers," he added.
On the Rohingya situation, Momen commented that "everything was set to begin repatriation on a pilot basis at the end of the year," but it was stalled due to the deteriorating security situation in Myanmar's Rakhine State.
Responding to another question, the foreign secretary said, "Bangladesh does not want to see any proxy war in this region and is committed not to allow any country to use its land for waging war against another country."He also mentioned Bangladesh's "success" in winning elections in several international forums this year.
mirmostafiz@yahoo.com