Diplomatic Correspondent: The recall of Bangladesh`s Ambassador to Japan, Daud Ali, just weeks before his scheduled retirement has triggered a debate in diplomatic and economic circles.

Daud Ali is considered one of the most experienced diplomats in the country`s foreign service, with a career spanning 31 years as a diplomat. According to foreign ministry sources, he was due to retire with honour in December this year.

He has now been asked to return home from his mission in Tokyo, ahead of a scheduled visit by Prime Minister Tareque Rahman to Japan. Sources said Foreign Secretary Nazrul Islam has been assigned to Japan in connection with the visit.

Why the sudden recall is now a matter of discussion.

According to several sources familiar with the matter, an allegation has been raised that Daud Ali has links with Jamaat-e-Islami and that he was involved in student politics of Islami Chhatra Shibir in his student life.

Sources allege that during the visit of the Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami to Japan in May this year, Ambassador Daud Ali extended a warm reception and provided cooperation to make the visit fruitful. On that ground, it is alleged, the decision to recall him was taken.

The development is being seen by many observers as significant because Japan is Bangladesh`s most important development partner. A major portion of Bangladesh`s foreign aid comes from Japan and the two countries are closely connected economically. Traditionally, the most senior and efficient diplomats are posted as Ambassador to Japan. Daud Ali was posted there considering his experience and seniority, officials said.

What has made the issue more discussed is a previous instance involving the same diplomat.

According to sources, Daud Ali, when he was serving as Counsellor at the Bangladesh High Commission in London, was also asked to return home during the previous Awami League government of Sheikh Hasina. At that time, it was alleged that he had extended cooperation to Tareque Rahman.

Now, it is alleged, he has been asked to return for extending cooperation to the leader of opposition and Ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami Dr Shafiqur Rahman.

Critics say the recall, just one month before his retirement, is disrespectful to a career diplomat who has served the country globally for over three decades and contributed to development efforts.

Supporters of the diplomat argue that professionalism and competence should be judged above political considerations, especially after the July mass uprising, and that diplomatic postings should remain free from party bias.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not yet issued a formal public statement detailing the reasons for the recall. We tried to reach the ministry for comment.

The incident has raised a larger question among readers of all ages and classes: Can Bangladesh rise above narrow party politics when it comes to recognising merit, efficiency and long service to the state?

The answer, observers say, will determine whether future patriotic and efficient diplomats like Daud Ali will be created and valued.