Sheikh Hasina May Be Accompanied by International Observers on Her Return to Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina may be accompanied by a group of independent international observers if and when she returns to the country, according to reports. A section of the Awami League leadership is reportedly working on an initiative to have an international delegation travel with her.

The proposed delegation is expected to include diplomats from several countries, particularly former ambassadors and diplomatic representatives who have previously served in Bangladesh. Their presence would be intended to allow the international community to observe the process of Sheikh Hasina’s return and to provide information to the outside world about her security and the political situation surrounding her return.

Recently, Sheikh Hasina met in New Delhi with Peter Fahrenholtz, who served as Germany’s ambassador to Bangladesh from 2018 to 2021. During the meeting, the possibility of sending a group of international observers and diplomats with Sheikh Hasina if she decides to return to Dhaka was reportedly discussed. Fahrenholtz is said to have proposed the idea of forming such a delegation.

Fahrenholtz has made it clear that, as a retired diplomat, he could become involved in the initiative in his personal capacity. He has also said that the German government has no involvement in the initiative.

The report also said that Dr Andrej Dostail, another member of the European Parliament, met Sheikh Hasina in New Delhi. The meeting has been viewed as a significant engagement between European representatives and the former Bangladeshi prime minister. The discussions reportedly covered Bangladesh’s current political situation, with particular emphasis on raising awareness in the Western world about recent developments in the country.

According to Fahrenholtz, Bangladesh needs an inclusive political environment in which all legitimate political parties have the opportunity to contribute to governance and nation-building. He has opposed any move to ban the Awami League. In his view, the party played an important role in Bangladesh’s independence movement, and he does not agree with excluding it from the country’s political process.

Fahrenholtz also believes that the Western world is currently reassessing its position towards the Awami League. He said he was uncertain about what role the United States would play in creating a more inclusive political environment in Bangladesh. However, he suggested that if Europe changes its approach to Bangladesh’s political situation, the United States could also move towards a broader international consensus on the issue.

Fahrenholtz is regarded as a respected German diplomat. Until 2006, he also served at the German Consulate in Mumbai, India. In recognition of his diplomatic service, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany by the German President.

During his tenure as Germany’s ambassador to Bangladesh, Fahrenholtz travelled to different parts of the country and personally looked into the activities of Grameen Bank under Professor Muhammad Yunus. His assessment of the microfinance system was reportedly different in some respects from commonly held perceptions of the sector.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina is reportedly expected to meet several other prominent foreign individuals and representatives in the near future. Discussions at those meetings could focus on Bangladesh’s current political situation, the Awami League’s future political role and the possibility of her return to the country.

However, there has been no formal decision or announcement confirming whether international observers or diplomats will actually accompany Sheikh Hasina when she returns to Bangladesh.

Source: News Delhi Post