DU VC denies recent talks on Iran ambassadorial appointment

Dhaka University (DU) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan on Wednesday said the government has not held any recent discussions with him regarding his possible appointment as Bangladesh’s ambassador to Iran, dismissing media reports claiming Tehran has given a green signal for his posting.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday afternoon, Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan said talks on appointing him as ambassador to Denmark, Iran and a few other countries had taken place before December last year, but no formal communication has been made since then.

“I declined the proposal for Denmark, as I wanted to continue my responsibilities as vice-chancellor. At that time, discussions were held regarding Denmark, Iran, Senegal and some other countries where ambassadorial positions were vacant. Since then, there has been no formal discussion from the government,” he said.

Several media outlets reported earlier in the day that Iran had accepted the government’s proposal to appoint Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan as ambassador and conveyed a green signal to Dhaka. However, officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment on the issue.

The latest reports come nearly three months after media outlets in mid-November reported that the government had sent an agrément letter to Copenhagen seeking approval for Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan’s appointment as Bangladesh’s ambassador to Denmark.

At that time, it was reported that only the Danish government’s clearance was pending and that he could assume the post within three months if all procedures were completed.

Earlier on Tuesday afternoon, DU vice-chancellor also expressed his intention to step down from his post after the upcoming election.

NRE/AM