Comments on news report

“Dhaka quits UN race for Tokyo,” published on September 7, 2014

Adnan Samdani
As someone who was privileged to be there in New York in 1998 when we won our UNSC seat for the second time, I was so looking forward to Bangladesh's third time opportunity of getting UNSC seat. Now, I know for sure I won't get this opportunity during my lifetime. To make it more painful, Bangladesh's decision to withdraw came without a word of discussion, neither was the public consulted. We never knew a decision like this was taken with even minimal of consultation with the ministry of foreign affairs. No summary ever was prepared or placed before the cabinet.
For last ten years Bangladesh accumulated a good number of reciprocal support arrangement securing support from countries like Australia and a good many others. Second, it is Bangladesh's rightful turn in the Asian group. We are competing, after 15 years, only for the second time, while Japan is competing for the 11th. Bangladesh is sure to get support of China, as opposed to Japan, and thereby, through Chinese help, would have secured the support of most, if not all, of African countries.

Moazzem Hossain
A very good diplomatic move by Bangladesh.

Adnan Samdani
Really...how? What did we get? Just tell me a dollar worth that we got during this visit. Japanese PM just reiterated what they were saying for last one year. Has Japanese PM offered us to build a bridge over Padma or Meghna or a new port or even a culvert? Has he offered to take source workforce that Japan would need in thousands to build infrastructure as they prepare for Tokyo Olympic 2020? Could anyone cite a precedent where a sovereign state voluntarily gave up their contest in UNSC ever?

Dev Saha
Under the circumstances Bangladesh did the right thing. We quit the race and chose aid, investment and technologies from the third largest economy. This is a win-win deal for both countries.