Fresh probe against Envoy in Nepal
Another team leaves for Kathmandu today
Members of a high-profile government committee will leave for Kathmandu today to investigate various allegations, including violation of diplomatic norms and financial irregularities, against Bangladesh Ambassador to Nepal Dr Neem Chandra Bhowmik.
This is the second committee formed by the government since May this year to probe the allegations against Dr Bhowmik, a Dhaka University teacher who was appointed ambassador to Nepal in 2009 on political considerations.
Sources at the foreign ministry said Bangladesh Ambassador to China Munshi Foyez Ahmad will lead the latest committee. Two other members are director general of Prime Minister's Office, Paban Chowdhury, and joint secretary of public administration ministry, Raisul Alam Mondol.
The committee members will stay in Nepal till November 4 to inquire into every allegation brought against him.
The foreign ministry received serious allegations against Dr Bhowmik, including gross violation of diplomatic norms, practices, nuisance, disgraceful acts, poor handling of diplomatic affairs and women-related scandals.
Another probe body led by an additional secretary of the foreign ministry found proof of financial irregularities and diplomatic misconduct against him in May this year. Then the Bangladesh embassy in Nepal unofficially suggested that the government remove Dr Bhowmik. But the government did not take action against him. Foreign ministry sources said action could not be taken as a quarter is strongly lobbying for Dr Bhowmik. When asked why action was not taken against him, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni at a press conference on July 19 this year said measures would be taken according to the probe report's findings. She also said another probe team would be sent to Nepal soon.
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