Diplomatic missions ordered to remove President’s portrait

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has ordered the removal of President Md. Shahabuddin’s photo from all Bangladeshi diplomatic missions, consulates, and diplomats’ offices and residences abroad. This information has been confirmed by sources from various foreign missions. It is learned that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has given this instruction to some regional ambassadors and high commissioners over the telephone, although no formal letter or e-mail was given regarding the removal of the photo. At the same time, the envoys in charge have been asked to inform other missions about the ministry’s instructions. Meanwhile, some missions in South Asia, Africa, and Europe have not yet received this instruction. However, the heads of two foreign missions have confirmed the matter. They said that they will monitor the removal of the photo in addition to informing other missions.