Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said BNP hired lobbyist to undermine the country’s image abroad whereas the government has appointed PR firm to promote Bangladesh’s good governance and positive image in the international arena.
“It’s not illegal to hire lobbyist, but you have to see what is the objective … when anyone gives money to someone to undermine (his or her) the country .. it’s very unjust,” he told reporters after attending a programme in the capital.
The foreign minister said the Awami League government’s effort is to promote good governance and positive image of Bangladesh.
“The Government appointed what we call a PR firm … and it is nothing new,” he added.
Dr Momen said the government had also hired the PR firm to counter false information those were provided abroad by BNP-Jamaat quarter to prevent trial of war criminals.
Earlier, it was revealed that BNP has spent at least $3.75 million for a US lobbyist firm as part of their anti-Bangladesh campaign.
Replying to a question, the foreign minister said that Dhaka doesn’t think the United Nations (UN) would bar Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) personnel from its peacekeeping mission.
“When the UN takes peacekeepers, they selected them with scrutiny .. so we are not too worried about this,” he added.
The foreign minister made the comments after inaugurating an exhibition titled “Humanitarian Principles. Here and Now” at Liberation War Museum of Bangladesh.
Swiss Embassy in Dhaka, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the Liberation War Museum of Bangladesh have jointly brought this exhibition in collaboration with the Photo Elysée Museum of Lausanne, Switzerland.
Highlighting the importance of Humanitarian Principles, Dr Momen said this exhibition will contribute to create a mindset among the people to work for humanity.
The foreign minister said actions should be taken so that people around the world are not uprooted either due to war or climate change.
State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr. Md. Enamur Rahman, Swiss ambassador to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard and Head of the ICRC delegation in Bangladesh Katja Lorenz also spoke on the occasion.
The exhibition will remain open for all from January 25 to February 24 from 10am to 5pm every day except Sundays.
