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The Unsung Heroes of Bangladesh’s Diplomacy

Last week, the demise of diplomat Wali-ur Rahman marked the end of a remarkable career dedicated to serving the state of Bangladesh. His story is one of unwavering patriotism, as he stood against the Pakistan foreign service to declare his allegiance to the cause of Bangladesh’s freedom 52 years ago. Rahman, like many Bengali diplomats, played a pivotal role in shaping the history of the nation during the tumultuous year of 1971.

During that critical period, as Bangladesh fought for liberation from colonial rule, diplomats such as K.M. Shehabuddin and Amjadul Haq showed immense bravery by defecting from the Pakistan High Commission in Delhi to join the cause. While uncertainty loomed over the future of Bangladesh, these diplomats displayed unwavering commitment to their nation.

Others soon followed suit, including Abul Hasan Mahmood Ali, who abandoned the Pakistan foreign service to stand with Bangladesh, and Abul Fateh, the ambassador in Iraq who declared his allegiance to Bangladesh in the face of the atrocities being committed in occupied Bangladesh. The stories of these diplomats, from New York to Tunis to London, serve as a testament to their moral obligation to sever ties with a government that was responsible for the suffering of their compatriots.

The contributions of diplomats like Rahman, Mohiuddin Ahmed, and M.M. Rezaul Karim, who vocally defended Bangladesh’s cause even within the walls of the Pakistan mission in London, cannot be overlooked. They united with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman upon his arrival in London, aligning themselves with the suffering and aspirations of their people.

The heroic acts of these diplomats in the war-torn year of 1971 must be celebrated and cherished as a vital part of Bangladesh’s history. They demonstrate the courage and selflessness required of future members of the nation’s foreign service. These diplomats truly epitomize the spirit of resilience that illuminated the darkest chapters of Bangladesh’s history.

Amongst these unsung heroes are Hossain Ali, SA Karim, and two Bengali ambassadors, KK Panni and Abdul Momin, all of whom contributed greatly to Bangladesh’s cause by abandoning their posts within the Pakistan foreign service. Their loyalty to Bangladesh in the face of uncertainty played a significant role in the development of Bengali diplomacy.

Post-1971, these diplomats continued to serve their country with distinction, despite the political upheavals that Bangladesh experienced. Many rose to ambassadorial positions and diligently represented the nation abroad, while others contributed to think tanks, wrote thought-provoking articles, and participated in television shows and seminars to shed light on national history.

As citizens, it is our responsibility to delve into the careers of these diplomats and reflect on the challenges they faced and the decisions they made during a period when hope seemed dim for Bangladesh. We owe them our eternal gratitude for being part of the generation that reshaped history. We must ensure that their heroic tales continue to shine brightly in the collective memory of Bangladesh.

Source: The Financial Express