Bangladesh Opposition Leader Criticizes Reported Meeting Between U.S. Envoy and Indian High Commissioner

Bangladesh's opposition leader and Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, has said that a reported meeting between U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dinesh Trivedi is inappropriate in a democratic country.

Speaking at an event marking the 34th anniversary of the Sylhet-based daily Jalalabad on Saturday, Dr. Rahman questioned the purpose of the reported meeting in Dhaka.

"They can discuss such matters in India," he said. "If it was merely a courtesy call between diplomats, that is a different matter. But if the discussion involved issues concerning two countries, then it should have been held with the government of Bangladesh or with the opposition. It is not desirable for a diplomat representing one country to discuss Bangladesh-related matters privately with the envoy of another country."

According to reports, U.S. Special Envoy Sergio Gor and Indian High Commissioner Dinesh Trivedi recently held a meeting in Dhaka.

Commenting on Bangladesh's electoral process, Dr. Rahman said his party had become concerned after observing the February 12 election. He warned that if similar conditions or strategies continue in future elections, public doubts about the government's commitment to ensuring a credible electoral process could deepen.

The Jamaat-e-Islami leader also criticized various government policies and called for stronger action against corruption, extortion, and partisan irregularities. He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman should adopt a tougher stance against such practices.

Dr. Rahman also criticized the Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) position on holding a referendum, alleging that the party had shifted from its previous stance. He argued that the BNP should explain to the public why it had changed its position after previously expressing support for a referendum.