Dhaka, Nov 14 (V7N) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken disciplinary actions against two officials at its Geneva mission following the alleged harassment of Law Adviser Asif Nazrul by Awami League leaders at the Geneva airport. In response to the incident, the ministry has also directed all Bangladesh missions to enforce heightened vigilance on protocol and security.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Md Toufiq Hasan revealed these steps during the weekly press briefing on Thursday. As part of the measures, Geneva Mission’s Labour Counsellor Mohammad Kamrul Islam has been “stand released,” and a local staff member, Mizan, has been dismissed.

Describing the incident as “unexpected and undesirable,” the spokesperson emphasized that the ministry has already acted against those accountable. “All missions have received instructions to exercise maximum caution regarding protocol and security moving forward,” he added.

In light of recent developments, Toufiq Hasan also addressed concerns about negative online campaigns targeting diplomats and ambassadors, condemning such efforts as harmful to the ministry and the nation’s international image. He highlighted that ambassadors are appointed after decades of service and vetting, and any unqualified individual would not be selected for such a role.

The spokesperson noted that reforms are underway within the ministry, particularly concerning tenure extensions for senior diplomats. Seven to eight diplomats scheduled to retire in December will not have their tenures extended, a move intended to create opportunities for younger diplomats to step into ambassadorial positions.

“Ending tenure extensions for senior diplomats supports the younger generation’s advancement in the foreign service,” he said, emphasizing the ministry’s commitment to fostering career growth within the diplomatic ranks.

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