DEFEAT OF BANGLADESH IN THE BID FOR OIC TOP POST

The move for Bangladesh's candidature for the post of Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) was a brave one. But the government did the initial mistake by nominating an alleged Mafia don, murderer and war criminal probably on the merit that he is the political adviser of the prime minister.

Bangladesh lobbied well but had difficulties in obtaining support from Malaysia & Turkey. The choice of secretary general was never decided through an election, but rather through consensus. But this time, the voting was the last resort to settle the battle for the top OIC job after none of the three contenders Malaysia, Turkey and Bangladesh pulled out of the race.

The result: Prof. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu was elected in the first tour by receiving 32 votes, while candidates of Bangladesh and Malaysia received 12 votes each.

Bangladesh's biggest disadvantage was that Saudi Arabia did not back it well in the last moment.

I hope Bangladesh government learns from this mistake and in future it chooses a competent person (I am sure there are plenty), with whom they can give a fighting effort to make a mark in international arena.