A group of international independent observers may accompany former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when she travels to the country. Awami League leadership is planning to include such a group as an accompanying delegation.
The proposed delegation would comprise diplomats from many countries, especially those who previously served in Bangladesh as envoys.
Recently, Ambassador Peter Fahrenholtz, who was German ambassador to Bangladesh from 2018 to 2021, met former Prime Minister Hasina in New Delhi. They discussed the proposal of sending international observers with her when she decides to travel to Dhaka. Fahrenholtz himself put forward the idea of taking a group of diplomats with her. He clarified that, as a retired diplomat, he can offer his services in a personal capacity and that the move has no relation to the Government of Germany.
Another European Parliament member, Dr Ondriez Dostail, was also in New Delhi for a meeting with Hasina. This marked the first time European diplomats were able to meet her. They held elaborate discussions aimed at creating awareness in the Western world about the current situation in Bangladesh.
Ambassador Fahrenholtz is of the view that the Bangladesh government should allow an inclusive political society so that all legitimate political parties can have a role in nation-building. He strongly opposed the banning of the Awami League, which was instrumental in the country’s independence. He feels that the Western world is at present changing its view of the Awami League. While he is not sure about the role of the United States in creating an inclusive society in Bangladesh, he is sure that once Europe changes its view on Bangladesh, the United States may consider a consensus world view.
Fahrenholtz is well respected in Germany. He once served in the Mumbai consulate until 2006 and was awarded the Order of Merit by the German President. During his time in Bangladesh, he travelled extensively and personally enquired about the functioning of Grameen Bank under Prof. Muhammad Yunus. He considers the concept of microfinance as propagated by Yunus to be opposite to the general public perception.
Hasina is planning to meet other foreign dignitaries very soon.
