A new controversy has arisen around the visit of Muhammad Yunus to New York to join the session of the United Nations General Assembly, since there were some people whose political identity and past activities are against the spirit of Bangladesh’s Liberation War and the principles of humanity.
The inclusion of the son of former Jamaat Amir Matiur Rahman Nizami, who was sentenced to death for crimes against humanity, Naqibur Rahman Tarek, shook the conscience of the nation.
The entourage also included BNP acting chairman’s foreign affairs adviser, Humayun Kabir, who was convicted in the past for forging the signatures of US senators.
Analysts, however, consider it normal since Yunus has been patronising the Jamaat and militants since taking office last year. Moreover, his father, Dula Mia Saudagor, was a leader of the Muslim League and acted against the Liberation War in 1971.
Jamaat Nayeb-e-Amir Dr. Syed Abdullah Md. Taher also participated in this tour under government expenses. His recent comment in a meeting that five million jihadist youths are ready to fight against India with the help of the Yunus government is not only irresponsible but also carries a dangerous signal for Bangladesh’s foreign relations and regional stability.
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The question arises: why, and how, were such controversial people included in the visit of the state’s representative to an important international forum like the United Nations? The nation now demands to know whether this is the result of political compromise or a deeper strategic purpose working behind it.
Under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh took a tough stance against militancy, fundamentalism, and anti-humanitarian forces in the last decade and a half. At that time, the country became a progressive state free from militancy and terrorism. However, as it is seen today, those defeated forces are once again standing in the international arena under the shelter of the national stage. This is not only a political deviation but also a clear insult to the spirit of the Liberation War.
A nation’s foreign policy is a reflection of its dignity and values. From the time of Bangabandhu to Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh has believed in the principle of “friendship with all, enmity with none.” But today’s tour and the political identity of the tour companions are questioning the basis of that policy. Aggressive statements against India in particular can threaten not only diplomatic relations but also the peace and regional balance of South Asia.
If Dr. Yunus actually travelled as a representative of the state, his first duty was to form a team with professional and neutral people who believed in the spirit of the Liberation War. Instead, there are people who are getting places whose past record is in conflict with the moral foundation of the Bangladesh state. It is undoubtedly against national interest and dignity.
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Today, the nation wants to know who is actually representing the country on a foreign tour. Are there individuals attempting to rehabilitate either Bangladesh or the Jamaat-BNP? Yunus must answer this question.
People of Bangladesh believe in the spirit of the Liberation War. They know that the legacy of anti-humanity can never be representative of the nation. The most important message of today is that the dignity of the state should not be compromised by political intrigue and personal ambition in a forum like the United Nations.
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