BANGLADESH WITHDRAWS POLICE ESCORT FOR FOREIGN DIPLOMATS

Surma Desk Report

London 19 May : Bangladesh's government has recently withdrawn the provision of "additional" police escorts for foreign mission heads in Dhaka as part of a revision of security protocols The decision was made due to the belief that the law-and-order situation in the city does not warrant such extra security measures, and the government does not want to continue providing them at the expense of taxpayers Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen stated that if any foreign missions still desired additional escorts, they could hire armed personnel from Ansar and pay for their services

The withdrawal of police escorts raised questions regarding whether this included the envoys of the United States and the United Kingdom While the minister did not provide a direct response, he informed the police authorities about the government's decision The minister also emphasized that the provision of police escorts was not reciprocal, as Bangladesh does not receive such escorts in foreign countries

In response, the US Embassy spokesperson in Dhaka stated that the safety and security of diplomatic personnel and facilities are of utmost importance The embassy did not disclose specific security details but stressed the host country's obligation, as per the Vienna Convention, to ensure the protection of all diplomatic missions and personnel

It is worth noting that the government's decision to withdraw police escorts for foreign diplomats came shortly after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's visit to the US, UK, and Japan While the Dhaka Metropolitan Police claimed that there had been no withdrawal of police personnel and that adequate security measures were in place, two senior officials at the police headquarters revealed that some police personnel had been withdrawn for certain foreign diplomats based on the commissioner's instruction The envoys of the US, UK, India, and Saudi Arabia had been receiving additional police escorts for several years

The decision to withdraw police escorts for foreign diplomats has raised concerns about the implications for their safety and security The role of police escorts is to ensure the protection of diplomatic personnel and facilities, and their presence is considered standard practice in many

India is using the G20 summit to further its settlercolonial ambitions in Kashmir

Continued frome ➠ Back pag international attendance at the G20 meeting undermines their efforts

To create a sanitized image for foreign delegates, beautification projects are underway in Srinagar, accompanied by name changes and urban renewal that displace and alienate locals The Indian government plans to minimize the visible presence of troops through the construction of "smart bunkers" and the implementation of "smart policing" techniques However, Kashmiris have faced human rights abuses and draconian media restrictions countries The withdrawal of these escorts may lead to a reassessment of security measures by foreign missions operating in Dhaka

While the government's rationale for the withdrawal is based on the assessment of the law and order situation in the city, critics argue that it is important to maintain a robust security framework to safeguard the diplomatic community Diplomatic personnel often face unique security challenges, and providing them with adequate protection is essential for their effective functioning and diplomatic engagement

The decision also raises questions about the principle of reciprocity in diplomatic relations While the foreign minister pointed out that Bangladesh does not receive police escorts in other countries, it is important to consider the specific security needs and practices of each nation The safety of diplomats should not be compromised based on a strict tit-for-tat approach but rather on a comprehensive evaluation of the prevailing security environment

As Bangladesh continues to engage with the international community and host diplomatic missions, ensuring the safety and security of foreign diplomats should remain a top priority It is crucial for the government to maintain open lines of communication with foreign missions and address any concerns they may have regarding security arrangements

The withdrawal of police escorts for foreign diplomats coinciding with the prime minister's recent visits to the US, UK, and Japan has led to speculation about potential political implications Some observers interpret this decision as a signal that the government may be seeking to assert its authority and reduce reliance on foreign security measures

The withdrawal of "additional" police escorts for foreign diplomats in Dhaka is a significant development in the country's security protocols The decision has sparked discussions regarding the safety and security of diplomatic personnel, the principle of reciprocity in international relations, and the potential political implications of this move It is important for all stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to address concerns and find mutually agreeable solutions that prioritize the well-being of foreign diplomats while considering the security dynamics of the region

The G20's Tourism Working Group meeting in Srinagar signifies the normalization of India's occupation of Kashmir India seeks to capitalize on the scenic beauty of the region, promoting tourism and religious pilgrimages, while restricting the mobility of local Kashmiris Tourism is used as a tool to legitimize and expand Indian control over Kashmiri lands, erasing Indigenous Kashmiri claims and changing the demographics in favor of Hindus

In the context of occupied territories, tourism raises ethical concerns Visiting occupied lands without understanding the decolonial history and supporting local businesses can perpetuate exploitation, dispossession, and commodification Ethical travel requires a critical examination of one's own actions and complicity, honoring calls for self-determination and supporting local communities