Ambassador Haas: Very Active, Very Angry; yet Very Forgetful?

On 14th December 2022, The US Ambassador to Dhaka, Peter Haas got himself into another controversy when he visited a residence in the busy part of Dhaka.

But due to heavy pressure from the media and activists, Haas had to end the visit early and leave immediately. Amid huge activists, Haas was pushed. Later on, the very same day, he met Bangladesh's Foreign Minister and expressed his unhappiness regarding the incident. However, this is also not the first time when Ambassador Haas got himself into controversy. He often meddles in Bangladesh's internal affairs, even in many trifling matters. Perhaps, Ambassador Haas is not following the best practice of diplomatic norms.

Shaheenbagh Incident

On Wednesday, Ambassador Haas and his team from the embassy visited Sajedul Islam Sumon's residence in the Capital's Shaheenbagh area. Sumon is a BNP activist and an alleged victim of enforced disappearance. Allegedly, he was picked up in 2013 and never returned. His sister, Sanjida Islam runs an activist organization on enforced disappearance called 'Mayer Dak' (Mother's Call).

Haas went to that residence in the early morning at 9 a.m. to attend a meeting with Mayer Dak. But he did not notify his movement to the Foreign Ministry which is directly responsible for his security protocol within the country.

Anyway, somehow the information was leaked to the press and the activists beforehand. As soon as Haas reached the house, media and activists gathered in front of the house. Media gathered to collect the news while activists gathered to draw his attention to their demands that are parallel to Mayer Dak's.

Mayer Kanna or A Mother's Tear is an organization by the families of people who allegedly disappeared during Zia’s regime back in 1977. They demand to ensure proper justice for their family members who long disappeared. Mayer Kanna took the opportunity to demonstrate in front of the house where Haas is visiting with little security protocol. In that way, they would get a better opportunity to draw his attention.

As the crowd intensified within minutes, Haas's security officials feared for his security and advised him to leave early. The meeting took place only for 30 minutes and Haas left the house immediately. However, amid huge demonstrations and jostle, Haas was pushed and his car received scratches from the activists and reporters.

Later on, the very same day, Haas hurried to the Foreign Ministry and met Bangladesh's Foreign Minister regarding the incident. It was an urgent meeting, not a scheduled one. Haas was unhappy about the incident and raised concerns regarding his security. In simple words, he was also 'angry'. But the Foreign Ministry replied that they were not aware of the visit as the Embassy did not notify them. Therefore, they could not provide him with the security he needed. Moreover, the demonstrators are activists who have the right to demonstrate. And the media enjoys its own freedom in collecting news. So, they have right to hold a demonstration and cover the incident. If Ambassador Haas notified the ministry beforehand, they provide necessary security and keep them at a distance to ensure Haas's protocol. But Haas did not do it and got himself into that controversy on his own.

Haas's Hyper Activity

The Shaheenbag incident is not the first time Ambassador Haas got himself into controversy. Since his appointment on December 18th, 2021, Haas started to meddle in many internal affairs of Bangladesh. Haas is highly vocal regarding Bangladesh's upcoming election. But his concerns regarding that often create the wrong message among the common citizens. His speeches and comments are often perceived as 'BNP-leaning' by the mass people. They often think that the US is picking the side of the BNP in the upcoming election due to his seemingly 'partisan' statements.

He also meddles in many trifling affairs of Bangladesh that does not require his extra attention. His statements regarding the political violence in Bangladesh bear testimony to such a claim. Political violence is a recurring event in Bangladesh. In almost all political violence, both the government and the opposition share responsibility. Quite often, oppositions deliberately escalate the events to violence to gain media attention. So, there is no black and white in it. But Haas's statement often leans towards the opposition and blames the government solely.

However, the issues also reached Ambassador Haas who had to clarify in September that the US does not support any political party in Bangladesh.

Such statements regarding political violence and upcoming election surely have a psychological effect on the voters of the country which is also an interference in internal affairs. As a result, a breach of the Vienna Convention of Diplomatic Relations (VCDR) takes place. According to Article 41 (1) of VCDR, diplomats should not meddle in the internal affairs of their host country (See Page 13).

Very angry, yet Very Forgetful

Diplomatic Norms and VCDR are built upon both-way cooperation. It is also a reciprocal matter. On one hand, these norms and values facilitate an environment for foreign dignitaries to carry on their work ensuring security and freedom; on the other hand, these also safeguard the host country's interest and national security. Unfortunately, Diplomats representing great powers often tend to forget this wisdom, especially in the Global South. Perhaps it is due to an unequal power relationship that exists for a long time now. But this is a detrimental practice in every aspect ranging from bilateral relations to internal stability. Seemingly, Ambassador Haas sometimes also follows this detrimental practice. The protocol and notifications are for his own protection, and he should also respect the country's political consciousness and self-determination in return. In that way, he could avoid unwanted situations like Shaheenbag. Perhaps, Ambassador Haas was forgetful of diplomatic norms.

Sent-In by Motiur Rahman, an Independent Researcher and Analyst.

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