Expressing discontent over the joint statement of foreign missions in Dhaka regarding the assault on Hero Alam, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Wednesday (July 19) said such an “activist act” from diplomats is “not acceptable”.   
      
He said: "That’s not acceptable. They create noises when something happens in Bangladesh only.” 

The minister made the remarks in reply to reporters when asked for his comments regarding the issue.

Foreign missions in Dhaka earlier on Wednesday in a joint statement called for a full investigation and accountability of the perpetrators involved in assault on Hero Alam. 

The joint statement was signed by the embassies/high commissions of Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States and the delegation of the European Union. 

Dr Momen said the foreign diplomats don't do the same as a group when similar things happen in the US, UK, France or in other countries. 

The foreign minister wanted to know from reporters whether these countries say anything about the investigation progress when Bangladeshi citizens are killed abroad.
"Ask them (foreign diplomats). Why don't you ask them? Why don't they give statements then?" he said.

The foreign minister expressed his displeasure as the foreign missions send the statement to media houses instead of sending it to the foreign ministry.   

He urged the media to stop making publicity of such statements. 

Momen said the perpetrators who assaulted Hero Alam need to be identified as this could have been done to create uncertainty ahead of the next national election. 

Responding to a question, Momen said US President Joe Biden wants to strengthen the relations with Bangladesh and for that reason, senior officials keep coming here.

BDST: 0940 HRS, JULY 20, 2023
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