In an unexpected reversal, Bangladesh’s interim government on Thursday cancelled the previous transfer order of Shabab Bin Ahmed, a senior diplomat serving as Minister (Local) at the Bangladesh Embassy in The Hague, who was slated to take charge as the Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata by June 2.
Instead of proceeding to his new diplomatic post in India, Ahmed has now been ordered to report back to the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Dhaka, according to government sources.
The decision to revoke his posting comes in the wake of a growing controversy surrounding a verbal directive allegedly issued by Ahmed before he had even officially assumed office in Kolkata. According to insiders at the Bangladesh Deputy High Commission, Ahmed instructed staff to cancel the long-standing practice of Qurbani (ritual animal sacrifice) traditionally observed at the mission during Eid-ul-Azha.
His reasoning, reportedly shared with the Foreign Ministry, centered on respect for local religious sensitivities. Ahmed pointed out that many of the security personnel assigned to the Kolkata mission are Hindu, and the cow is considered sacred in Hinduism. He also cited sanitation concerns and referred to a Kolkata High Court order against public animal slaughter.
“Earning the confidence of our host country is extremely important,” Ahmed reportedly stated. “We must be mindful of their religious beliefs. Moreover, no other Bangladeshi mission abroad performs Qurbani.”
Backlash within diplomatic circles
Despite his justification, Ahmed’s unilateral move has drawn sharp criticism from several quarters. Diplomats and mission officials have expressed concern over the timing, propriety and authority of issuing such a directive before formally assuming office.
“This is diplomatically and politically unwise,” said a senior Bangladeshi diplomat, adding, “Religious and cultural matters should be handled with consultation, not preemptive decisions.”
For over three decades, the Deputy High Commission in Kolkata has conducted Qurbani during Eid-ul-Azha. The meat from the sacrifice is typically distributed to local orphanages and the Muslim community, fostering goodwill and a sense of religious harmony.
Many mission staff and observers see the tradition as a symbol of pluralism—especially in the cultural context of West Bengal, governed by chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who is widely known for her inclusive and secular stance.
“The Qurbani at our mission has always reflected the spirit of interfaith respect that defines West Bengal,” a senior staff member remarked. “Abruptly discontinuing it, particularly without consultation, sends the wrong message.”
With the Foreign Ministry now re-evaluating the situation, Ahmed’s future posting remains uncertain. Officials have not confirmed whether he will be reassigned or remain in Dhaka in an administrative capacity.
The incident has once again highlighted the delicate balancing act required in diplomatic missions, especially in culturally sensitive regions. While diplomats must respect host nation values, they also serve as cultural ambassadors—a role that often demands diplomacy within diplomacy.
