Prestige: Could you give us a brief background about yourself?

Well, I have been a diplomatic officer with the Bangladesh government and I belong to the BCS Foreign Affairs Cadre. I joined the Service in 1979.I completed my Masters and bachelors in Political Science, from Dhaka University. Prior to joining the Foreign Service, I worked in the Bangladesh Bank for more than 2 years. In my career as a Foreign Service officer, I worked in different places apart from the headquarters. I served in China to start with, then in Hong Kong, London, Qatar, New York, Singapore and China again. I started being an Ambassador, when I was Consul General, in New York, and subsequently, as Deputy Permanent Representative at the Bangladesh Permanent mission. Then I joined as High Commissioner in Singapore. Finally, I finished my career as an Ambassador in Beijing. While serving as Ambassador in Beijing, I was also concurrently accredited to Mongolia and North Korea. So generally, that’s about my career as a Diplomat. On return from China, I joined BIISS as Chairman and worked there for six years. I left BIISS at the end of 2019. Since then I have not been working on a regular basis. Presently, I am a member of the governing board as well as the general body of PKSF (Polli Kormo Shohaok Foundation). I am also serving as a member of the board at BPATC (Bangladesh Public Administration Training Complex).

Prestige: Tell us about your career journey and experience as an Ambassador with different countries. 

I started serving in China as second secretary and first secretary in Hong Kong, and then came back to the headquarters, where I served as a Director, Deputy Secretary. Then I went to London as counselor and then was promoted to Deputy High Commissioner, in our mission there. I served in London for about 4 years. Next, I went to Qatar and served there for 2 years. Shortly after my arrival in Qatar the Ambassador died in office. Consequently, I had to head the mission as CDA, for almost 11 months. On completion of my tenure in Qatar, I returned to Dhaka and served as Director General. Then I went to New York and joined there as Consul General with the rank and status of an Ambassador. Subsequently, I was posted as deputy permanent representative at the Bangladesh Permanent mission there. In late 2003, I was posted as High Commissioner in Singapore and worked there for over four years. In July 2007 I was posted as Ambassador of Bangladesh in Beijing and worked there for five and a half years. During these postings I had to take part in many negotiations on behalf of the Bangladesh Government as well as Bangladeshi Businesses. I also took part in International conferences as a member and occasionally also as leader of Bangladesh delegations.

Prestige: What impression does the world have of Bangladesh? What can we do to develop a more dynamic and vibrant image?

I think Bangladesh has a very good and vibrant image abroad in current times. To start with, people called us a “basket case”. From there we have travelled far. We are now constructing the Padma bridge, which has been a dream project for us, and has been constructed with our own funds. It’s significance should not be measured only in terms of money. Rather it is going to contribute hugely to our socio economic development, as it will connect the southern part of the society with the rest of Bangladesh. The enhanced connectivity will tremendously improve the life of the people across the bridge and along the roads connecting with it.over the last 20 years or so Bangladesh has recorded a steady 5 to 7 % annual growth. This compares very favorably with the rest of the world. And naturally draws a lot of attention from all across. There are now many countries who want to come and invest in Bangladesh and compete for projects here. All these are evidence of the great progress achieved by Bangladesh in the last 5 decades. Bangladesh now enjoys a very good image worldwide for its continued success in pursuit of economic development. We have made tremendous progress in education, culture and in science and technology as well. Our proactive approach is what catches people’s eyes. We have been participating actively in various important international dialogues ranging from issues of trade (WTO) to climate change, sustainable development, human rights and migration. Our contribution to UN peace missions are highly appreciated. 

Prestige: Bangladesh has a close relationship with China, since long. Being a former Ambassador in China how do you envision the existing relationship between the two countries and what are possible opportunities we may have in the future? 

I think the relations between our countries have developed steadily since establishment diplomatic relations on 4^th Oct 1975. The two countries have not looked back and marched forward in building a strong bond of friendship and cooperation. The leaders of the two countries have dumbed this relation as a “strategic partnership” because it covers all aspects of bilateral relations and holds out visions for a distant future of common prosperity. Main reasons why this relation flourished so well are that it is based on the principles of equality, mutual understanding, mutual respect and mutual benefit. The two sides support each other on issues of their core interest. Moreover, these relations have deep roots in history. Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, visited China in 1952 and 1957. He has also written a book based on his visit to China. The then Chinese Premier Zhou en Lai also visited East Pakistan in 1957. These visits helped to create personal friendship and bond between the two leaders. Bangladesh and China today enjoy a really flourishing relationship of friendship and cooperation. The two countries support each other, on various important issues in the international arena. China is Bangladesh’s largest trading partner and is also one of the main sources of foreign investment in Bangladesh. Although the balance of trade on the face of it looks very seriously unfavorable to Bangladesh, it is not really a matter of serious concern. A large chunk of items Bangladesh imports from China consists of complete plants, machinery, equipment’s and raw materials, which contribute tremendously to the industrial development and manufacturing sector of Bangladesh. China is also a major source of military equipment for Bangladesh. A large number of students pursue higher education in China and a significant number of officials and others receive various training in China, contributing significantly to Human Resources Development.   

Prestige: Since Bangladesh is heading toward middle income country status very soon, what are the challenges you think we have to face on that account? How do you think we can overcome these challenges? 

Well, it’s no secret that we are a middle income country. By 2024, we will be officially among the developing countries. We have a vision of 2041, when we would like to reach the status of a developed country. What we have achieved till now is a milestone. We have proved that we can face challenges. The turn of the millennium came with a lot of challenges like the end of the multi-fiber agreement. We faced and overcame them successfully. If we continue to do our homework well and prepare ourselves for the challenges facing us, we should also be able to successfully adapt to the new situations. Graduating from a least developing country (LDC) from a developing country status, we will have to give up many of the concessions we receive as an LDC country.

We need to be able to compete on more equal terms with other countries, in terms of the variety and quality as well as price of the products that we bring to the market. To achieve things we have to work hard but we can definitely do it. 

Prestige: Tell us about the different dimensions a foreign secretary must consider, when dealing with complex, socio economic and strategic issues, like the Rohinga refugee situation in Bangladesh.

Well, I have never been a foreign secretary as such. However, as a former Foreign Service Officer, I have some definite ideas about these matters. As for socio economic development, it’s the people who achieve these by their activities, and are guided by the government as its policies. A cursory glance would suffice to understand that foreign cooperation is essential. Foreign cooperation is essential for development, in almost all areas, including industry, agriculture, science and technology, education, culture, health etc. That is where foreign secretaries and foreign industry become relevant. Our diplomats have to continuously work to ensure that necessary foreign operations continue to flow, to serve the needs of development in different sectors. They also have to help in promoting our products and image, abroad. Our diplomats also have to drive a hard bargain in various multilateral forums to promote our interests, in the ongoing dialogues and negotiations. On a more micro level, our diplomats led by the foreign secretary and the ministry have to serve as an effective conduit for essential information, sort by businesses in Bangladesh and counterparts abroad. 

Prestige: Do you think encouraging more youth to become involved with Foreign Service and policy related careers is beneficial? How would their involvement and perspective assist in enriching the decision making process in Bangladesh?

Young people enter the Foreign Service by participating in a competitive civil service examination. Like most other services also, benefits from regular influx of new blood, and youthful ideas. When new people come in, they come with new visions that enriches the services tremendously. Once they are in the service, they also benefit from various training facilities as well as interaction with those already in the service. Officials in the foreign and other services go through a process of unending learning, as they grow in their career. A nice blend of youth and experience helps to take the country forward. The officers of the new generation seem to know a lot more than what we did, at their age. While the young people join various services, help to keep the services, enrich, invigorate and renew them. It also provides the young people with unending opportunities, to serve the country and fulfil their dreams.

Prestige: You had an incredible range of interactions with people all around the world, and now you’re doing the same in different parts of Bangladesh. What are some commonalities you find among them and what did you find really different from each of the people?

Well, it’s a big question. One thing that is common is that all people want to have a better life every day. We want to improve ourselves. Be it a developed or a least developed country the vision remains similar.  But because of the different socio economic development stages we are at, specific aspirations and needs are different. Therefore, experiences can be very different from country to country. As for example, while considering climate change, we all want to preserve the environment protecting it against pollution and degradation and ensure, continuation of sustainability of eco diversity. We all agree that a mission of harmful pollutants must be reduced to mitigate the harmful effects of climate change and at the same time, undertake serious adaptation measures, to confront the damage already done. Countries with higher levels of pollution need to focus more on reducing pollution. On the other hand, countries like Bangladesh, who are the main victim’s pollution without seriously contributing to pollution, there is a greater need for adaptation measures. All these need a lot of resources, and it is imperative that better endowed countries must come forward to countries that are less endowed. There is a need for greater coordination and cooperation. The countries must work in such a way that they can help each other, maximize their advantages and overcome their shortcomings. 

Prestige: How do you spend your leisure time?

During my career as a Foreign Service officer, I did not have much leisure. Since my retirement I seem to have quite a bit of leisure. By nature I am a lazy person. I enjoy watching TV and spend a lot of time doing so. I also spend my time on social media. I enjoy reading books. And have always thought about writing. However, I have not gotten myself to doing much serious writing yet. I enjoy reading Humayan Ahmed books and I think he is a great writer.

Prestige: You lived a life which is a dream of so many. If someone asks you to talk about the reality of life, what would you say?

Well, I think I have had a good life. Everybody has different struggles and everybody has a different journey. What’s more important to focus on is to fight through the difficult times and stay patient. Patience will help us overcome the struggles. “You’re not likely to win everything that you want” When I was young, I wanted to achieve everything, but gradually I found out it’s not possible. So I was self-satisfied with small achievements.. One should be ready to accept bad with the good.

Prestige: What advice would you like to give to today’s youth and what are your expectations from them? 

I think I’ll advise everyone to read as much as they can. There is no alternative to reading more. There is a store of knowledge we should not overlook. I would also encourage one to write more. I personally haven’t done much writing. Don’t restrict yourself to interacting with just one group of people and meet people in different walks of life and in different places. There is no work small or big. We must give every person the dignity she /he deserves. Maybe they may not have the same intellectual abilities as me but they may have some great skills which I might lack. So we should respect all.

Prestige:In the next 10 years, where will you see the country standing?

The country has been moving forward very well. Next 10 years, we are looking into a high middle income status. We have a delta plan that will take us to the end of the century. We are trying to move in that direction. Basically, Bangladesh will make it towards being a higher middle income country. Our economy will improve. Culturally, I believe Bangladesh will also reach new heights. I hope our government reaches the goals already set and we substantially improve and come out of it better than ever. We need to also put emphasis on AI (Artificial Intelligence). We need to also develop our skills to be prepared to embrace the new opportunities and to face the new challenges.