Jonmobhumi Editor Alleges 17 Years of Misconduct by Former Foreign Minister Abdul Momen
In a recent RT talk show discussion, Ratan Talukdar, editor of Weekly Jonmobhumi and prominent journalist, accused former Foreign Minister Dr. A.K.M. Abdul Momen of 17 years of misconduct, corruption, and irresponsible conduct.
Talukdar specifically criticized Momen’s controversial statements on India–Bangladesh relations, calling them “extremely harmful to the country’s diplomatic interests.”
He cited Momen’s remarks at a Chittagong Janmashtami event, where Momen allegedly described India–Bangladesh relations as a “husband–wife relationship” and claimed he had told the Indian government to keep Sheikh Hasina in power. Talukdar said such statements from a responsible foreign minister were against diplomatic propriety and national dignity.
According to Talukdar, these remarks have fueled anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh and created a negative atmosphere in bilateral relations. While the Sheikh Hasina government has expressed nuanced positions toward India, Momen’s statements were provocative and inflamed public opinion.
Talukdar also noted that Momen has recently become active on social media, presenting himself as someone “escaped from Bangladesh,” and reportedly traveled to the U.S. in mid-July, staying in New York. He cited Momen’s presence at an Awami League faction meeting on July 27 and a private invitation on July 29.
He questioned the logic of Momen returning to Bangladesh amid political uncertainty, calling such claims “a staged political drama.”
Regarding Momen’s political past, Talukdar alleged that in 1991, after BNP came to power, Momen attempted to join BNP via a meeting with Khaleda Zia but failed. Later, through lobbying by his elder brother, former Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, he joined the Awami League.
Talukdar also questioned Muhith’s role during the Liberation War, claiming he worked under the Pakistani embassy in Washington and only later supported Bangladesh in the final stage of independence.
He concluded that Dr. Momen is among those who politically and diplomatically embarrassed the government during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. His irresponsible and objectionable remarks on India–Bangladesh relations have created negative reactions both domestically and internationally. According to Talukdar, Momen was repeatedly warned and reprimanded by the Awami League for his statements.
