Dhaka, July 25, 2024 – In response to the widespread student protests demanding quota reform, which have led to clashes and violence across Bangladesh, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated efforts to understand the nature and motivations of international protests. The Ministry has dispatched a letter to Bangladesh missions abroad, requesting detailed information on who is protesting and why.
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that diplomats in various countries will gather specific information about the protests from their respective host governments and report back to Dhaka. Protests have been reported near Bangladeshi missions in the United States, United Kingdom, several Western countries, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Foreign Secretary Masud bin Momen, in an interview with Prothom Alo on Thursday, confirmed the government’s proactive approach. “We have heard that there have been protests somewhere,” he said. “So we have sent a letter to the missions of Bangladesh abroad. We want to know who is protesting and about what. The missions will inform us by collecting information from the government of the country where they work.”
Masud bin Momen explained that the government has also provided information about the current situation in Bangladesh to its missions to counteract potential misinformation. “We have informed them about the situation here through our missions so that they are not confused by the rumors and false information spread in the media and social media of their country,” he stated. The Ministry has sent at least six letters to Bangladesh missions abroad as of Thursday.
The Foreign Secretary highlighted the communication challenges faced due to the internet disconnection since last Thursday. “The main communication with the embassies had been stopped since last Thursday (due to internet disconnection). Missions are informed through Delhi or through various places,” he explained. Despite these challenges, missions are regularly updated on the latest developments in Bangladesh.
Missions have been instructed to ensure that expatriates do not fall victim to rumors and confusion. The Ministry has also guided missions to engage with the governments of their respective countries, think tanks, researchers, and foreign media editors to provide a clear picture of the situation in Bangladesh.
In addressing biased reports from international media, Masud bin Momen said, “biased reports have also come through international media. In response to that report, our statement is stated in the letter.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs aims to use this information to better understand the global response to the current unrest and address any concerns or misconceptions regarding the situation in Bangladesh.
