Md. Shahjahan Bashar, Dhaka Correspondent:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has ordered the removal of President Md. Shahabuddin’s portrait from all diplomatic missions, high commissions, consulates, and residences of diplomats abroad. This information has been confirmed by sources from various foreign missions.
Sources said that no official notice, letter or e-mail has been sent from the ministry in this regard. However, some regional ambassadors and high commissioners have been informed of the matter by telephone. At the same time, the envoys in charge have been asked to inform other heads of missions about the matter and monitor the implementation of the directive.
Meanwhile, this directive has not yet officially reached several missions in South Asia, Africa and Europe. However, the heads of two foreign missions have confirmed that they have received instructions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to remove the president’s portrait and are taking steps accordingly.
The specific reason behind this directive is not yet known. However, various discussions are underway in diplomatic circles on the matter. Many believe that this decision may be related to the government’s internal policy and changes in the constitutional role of the head of state.
No official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet commented officially on the matter.