The world is looking at Bangladesh with renewed interest, but also with continued skepticism. Sending Irene Khan to the United Nations at this moment is a way of telling the international community that Bangladesh wishes to shape its future not only through the language of power, but also through the language of dignity and rights. If that commitment is genuine, then this appointment is undoubtedly timely, forward-looking, and courageous. After all, a nation’s greatest strength lies not only in its economy, military, or geopolitical position, but also in its moral credibility. Irene Khan is a rare embodiment of that credibility.
For that reason, it would be a mistake to view this merely as the appointment of an ambassador. It is a declaration about the future character of Bangladesh’s diplomacy. It signals that Bangladesh wants to stand tall on the world stage, not only with a story of economic development, but also with a commitment to rights, justice, humanity, and dignity.
The question now is whether the government can translate this powerful message into concrete policy. If it can, Irene Khan’s appointment may well mark a significant turning point in the history of Bangladesh’s international engagement.
*Dr AKM. Ahsan Ullah is Professor of International, Security and Migration Studies, University of Brunei Darussalam, Brunei
*The views expressed here are those of the author.
*This article appeared in Prothom Alo print and online and has ben translated into English by Ayesha Kabir for Prothom Alo English Online
