Iran is our friend under the policy of ‘friendship to all, hatred to none’. There are also historical and cultural ties. Iran once had a large number of physicians, but that is a thing of the past. Business is limited. In the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), we had to struggle a lot to take a decision in favor of Rohingya Muslims.
Meanwhile, we have great interests in the West. The destination of almost all our export items is Europe and America. The West is a source of investment and remittances. All support on Rohingya issues comes from the West. Our vote for Iran will undoubtedly displease them.
It can be assumed that our ambassadors in Europe will be in trouble. Many people in our country criticize the double standards of the West on the question of human rights. His observation may be correct. But we have neither the capacity nor the ability to evaluate and judge the stand of the western countries. Bangladesh has to take decisions on international issues considering its own interest and not on anything else.
Bangladesh’s voting in favor of Iran in the Human Rights Council cannot in any way be considered in favor of national interests. The decision was unnecessary and wrong. Why couldn’t we stick to voting like India and Malaysia? There is no logical answer to the question.
*Mohammed Tauheed Hussain is the former Foreign Secretary
*Originally published in Prothom Aloe print and online editions, this article was written in English by Rabiul Islam.