Administrative steps to be taken against Gousal Azam: FM

The government will take ‘administrative steps’ against Bangladesh Ambassador to Lebanon AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, who has been called back, upon his return home. ‘There had been no other alternative than calling him back. Administrative steps will be taken upon his return,’ Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali told reporters at a press conference at the Foreign Ministry on Sunday. He said the decision was taken to protect national interest and uphold Bangladesh’s image abroad apart from restoring discipline in Beirut mission of Bangladesh. The Foreign Minister said Gousal Azam was cautioned earlier but he could not improve the situation in the Embassy. ‘At last, he is being called back. The decision looks harsh but it was necessary.’ He said the administrative management collapsed in the Embassy for lack of internal coordination. ‘We’ve sent Director General (W & CA) Dr M Nazrul Islam there to take charge. We hope, he has already taken over the charge of the mission and discipline will be restored,’ Mahmood Ali added, according to UNB.