The interim government in Bangladesh, led by Yunus, has revoked the appointment of senior diplomat Shabab Bin Ahmad as a punitive measure. The controversy erupted after Shabab Bin Ahmad issued an order banning sacrifices during Eid-ul-Adha at the Bangladesh Consulate in Kolkata, leading to significant backlash. Following this, the foreign office in Bangladesh instructed him to return promptly to Dhaka.
According to a report by local Bangladeshi news outlet Prothom Alo, Shabab Bin Ahmad was supposed to assume his duties as the Deputy High Commissioner at the Bangladesh Consulate in Kolkata in the first week of June. However, he issued an order preventing any animal sacrifice on the consulate grounds before taking charge. Despite being warned by staff about the sensitivity of the issue, he disregarded their advice and proceeded with his directive. As a result, the foreign ministry in Dhaka intervened swiftly, ordering his immediate recall.
Diplomat Ahmad Defends His Action
Shabab Bin Ahmad defended his decision, asserting that as diplomats, they serve their nation but must also respect the local environment and culture of the country they are assigned to. He expressed concerns over sanitation issues and potential inconvenience to local residents due to sacrifices. He further mentioned that no other Bangladeshi mission, except in Kolkata, practices such sacrifices.
Significant Dissent Among Staff
Prothom Alo reports that the tradition of sacrifice has been observed at the Bangladesh Consulate in Kolkata for 30 years. Every year, a significant portion of the meat from the sacrifice is distributed among those in need. Shabab's decision has led to widespread discontent among the consulate's staff, with no support for his directive.
Yunus Government and Tensions with India
This decision comes at a time when relations between Bangladesh and India are already strained. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, which took office following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has not only released extremists but also failed to control Islamist radicals.
