Row Over Bangladesh Foreign Minister’s Remark

Bangladeshi Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has kicked up a political storm with his remarks made at a Janmashtami event in Chattogram on Thursday. The minister, who visited India in June, said he had requested India to do anything that was required to keep the present government (of PM Sheikh Hasina) in power. The next day he clarified, saying “I said that we wanted Sheikh Hasina’s stability to remain in place. We will be happy if you (India) help us in this regard.” But the minister’s remarks have drawn outrage among politicians and others who say he has tarnished the country’s image. His party is attempting damage control. Minister for information and broadcasting Hasan Mahmud says the government or the party is not responsible if anyone goes abroad, makes certain comments, reported Prothom Alo. “He (Momen) is no one in Awami League’s central committee. And so he is not given any responsibility to speak on behalf of Awami League overseas.”