Every state must enjoy equal status

Bangladesh has traversed a long way since Sheikh Hasina assumed power again in 2009. By virtue of her relentless efforts and determination to do good for the people, Bangladesh has achieved tremendous economic progress. Now Bangladesh has become a development role model of the world. And accordingly, Bangladesh has gained momentum to exhibit itself as one of the prestigious nations.

Global investors including Europe, America, Japan and other developed nations, are keenly interested to become development partners. The nation’s prestige has been lifted by the international community. So, Bangladesh is being treated with respect by the global people, who really matter in the aspect of leading the world. They are giving priority to Bangladesh to become a global partner. As a mark of respect, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been invited to G-7, G-20 and World Economic Forum.

The International community is giving importance to Bangladesh and its performance in SDGs. Bangladesh has achieved significant progress in all aspects of SDGs. Because of its economic, social, and political progress, Bangladesh has achieved the status of a developing nation. And automatically its global image has been enhanced. So, Bangladesh can demand an equal status with all the countries of the world. The recent announcement of Bangladesh to provide equal security to all the diplomats staying here in Bangladesh is appropriate. Bangladesh could have announced the decision much earlier. However, it is all right. And nobody has anything to say against it, because what was announced by Bangladesh is according to the Vienna Convention.

One thing, perhaps the Prime Minister has taken very seriously. It will not contradict any provision and convention of the UN charter. What the other countries are doing, Bangladesh is doing the same and it has taken similar decisions. So, there should not be any extra opportunities for any country. It is noted that some big brotherly countries have a long tendency to get extra facilities which the Vienna Convention does not permit. But it should not continue for perpetuity. According to the UN charter and Vienna Convention, every state enjoys equal status. So, what Bangladesh did is done according to international norms and order. Bangladesh has gained momentum to uphold its equal status. There is no doubt about it. Some countries are habituated to gain extra opportunities. But those days are gone by. One incident we can cite here that when America put senior Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade in jail. And in protest of that incident, India had withdrawn all the extra security and diplomatic immunity of US diplomats in India. But in protest of that Indian decision, the USA could not do or say anything. In conclusion, we want to say, facilities depend on the basis of relations and cooperation. The height of relations can be provided with extra immunity, extra facilities or extra benefits. But it does not work in all cases.

Writer - Habibullah Mizan, Special Correspondent, The Daily Bangladesh Post

Courtesy: BANGLADESH POST