The 3-year tenure of Anwar Chowdhury, the Bangladeshi born British High Commissioner to Bangladesh came to an end last month. Mr Chowdhury’s appointment was fraught with complications right from the outset and some of his statements and activities caused unease for both nations. Mr Chowdhury’s appointment was marred by the bombing of the holy Shahjalal shrine in the northern city of Sylhet in which he survived an attempt to assassinate him.
There is no doubt that during his time, Mr Chowdhury made progress in further strengthening relationships between Britain and Bangladesh. However, at times, his over eagerness to assist in the affairs of the country, particularly during the political unrest in October 2006 which saw the disillusion of Parliament, was seen as trying to exert undue influence on the future direction of the host state.
Undoubtedly, Mr Chowdhury got away with a great deal more than he would have done so had he not been a High Commissioner of Bangladeshi decent. His knowledge and understanding of the country’s socio-political dynamics was both his strength and weakness. On the one hand, he was a convenient appointment for the UK whilst his closeness to the host country was also a reason for much unease for both nations.
So as Mr Chowdhury’s time in Bangladesh comes to an end, a new journey begins for the much travelled Stephen Evans. The new High Commissioner to Dhaka will have an equally challenging role in which he will need to balance his views on the current political impasse in Bangladesh with that of the British interest. He will need to appreciate the steps being taken by the caretaker Government even though it has been much criticised for curtailing Human Rights. Mr Evans will not have failed to note that some tough but effective steps by the military backed Government has brought the alarmingly high level of terrorist attacks under some control.
Stephen Evans has experience in South Asia and more recently in Afghanistan which will help him with his endeavours in Dhaka.
Unlike Mr Chowdhury, Mr Evans will find it easier to steer clear of the internal affairs and there will not be the expectation for him to comment on every small issue. If experience of the past 3 years is anything to go by, he will do well to steer clear of the current reform process and allow the Bangladesh Government to bring about much needed changes to the political landscape even if it at times compromises the basic rights of citizens. The long term benefits will be shared equally by Bangladesh and Britain.
There is no doubt that during his time, Mr Chowdhury made progress in further strengthening relationships between Britain and Bangladesh. However, at times, his over eagerness to assist in the affairs of the country, particularly during the political unrest in October 2006 which saw the disillusion of Parliament, was seen as trying to exert undue influence on the future direction of the host state.
Undoubtedly, Mr Chowdhury got away with a great deal more than he would have done so had he not been a High Commissioner of Bangladeshi decent. His knowledge and understanding of the country’s socio-political dynamics was both his strength and weakness. On the one hand, he was a convenient appointment for the UK whilst his closeness to the host country was also a reason for much unease for both nations.
So as Mr Chowdhury’s time in Bangladesh comes to an end, a new journey begins for the much travelled Stephen Evans. The new High Commissioner to Dhaka will have an equally challenging role in which he will need to balance his views on the current political impasse in Bangladesh with that of the British interest. He will need to appreciate the steps being taken by the caretaker Government even though it has been much criticised for curtailing Human Rights. Mr Evans will not have failed to note that some tough but effective steps by the military backed Government has brought the alarmingly high level of terrorist attacks under some control.
Stephen Evans has experience in South Asia and more recently in Afghanistan which will help him with his endeavours in Dhaka.
Unlike Mr Chowdhury, Mr Evans will find it easier to steer clear of the internal affairs and there will not be the expectation for him to comment on every small issue. If experience of the past 3 years is anything to go by, he will do well to steer clear of the current reform process and allow the Bangladesh Government to bring about much needed changes to the political landscape even if it at times compromises the basic rights of citizens. The long term benefits will be shared equally by Bangladesh and Britain.
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