DHAKA: Bangladesh ambassador to the Philippines Major General (retd) John Gomes violated diplomatic rule by inviting the Israeli ambassador for a dinner at his residence in Manila recently.

Since the Independence in 1971, no Bangladesh government established any sort of diplomatic tie with Israel and did not even recognize the Jew majority country to till date.

Foreign policy experts labeled John’s activity as ‘criminal offense’ saying the ambassador showed negligence in performing duties, which was a clear violation of foreign policy of Bangladesh.

The ambassador might have done this irresponsible activity due to his ignorance on the diplomacy and not becoming a career diplomat, according to the experts.

Meanwhile, foreign ministry has already asked John to return home by October 31 and come up with the explanation on the matter.

Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali also open declared to take action against John.

Former diplomat Anwar-ul-Alam told banglanews that a diplomat represents the country and has to follow diplomatic rules and regulations.

For this reason, no diplomat of Bangladesh can maintain relation to any diplomat of Israel, let alone to give an invitation.

Another former diplomat Mofazzel Karim echoed the same terming John activity as ‘criminal offense’. Bangladesh has been supporting Philistine in its policy, no one would tolerate any relation to Israel, he added.

Working diplomats, however, admitted to banglanews that this was nothing but an embarrassing situation. 

A diplomat, wishing anonymity, said this situation has arisen due to increasing appointment of diplomats on political consideration instead of professional ones.

But, Humayun Kabir, another former diplomat, disagreed with the others saying many maintains social relation with others that can not be a guilty. Diplomat may have ‘option’ to keep relation with others personally.

Immediate past Israeli ambassador in Manila Menashe Bar-On along with 17 others diplomats of different countries attended a dinner at the residence of Bangladesh ambassador John upon invitation.

The Bangladesh ambassador claimed he arranged the dinner in his personal expense and the Israeli ambassador was invited on ground of his personal relation.



The government appointed John as Bangladesh Ambassador to the Philippines in 2008. He was commissioned in the Bangladesh Army as an infantry officer in 1977 and retired as a Major General in 2008.  John has a loge track of successful carrier in defense but apparently failed to show professionalism in diplomacy.

As Bangladesh has not recognized Israel yet, so its citizens are not also allowed to visit there. The Bangladesh passport contains “THIS PASSPORT IS VALID FOR ALL COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD EXCEPT ISRAEL”.

BDST: 1748 HRS, OCT 21, 2014