Bangladesh recalls deputy head of mission in Indonesia over “marijuana possession”

The government has recalled Deputy Head of Bangladesh Mission in Indonesia, Kazi Anarkoly, following allegations that Indonesian police recently found marijuana at her residence that "she shared with a foreigner".

"She has been recalled already. We are investigating the allegations. The standard of a foreign cadre official is very high and such allegations against such an official is very embarrassing," State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam told reporters at the foreign ministry today (August 2, 2022).

If the allegations are proven, stern actions will be taken against the official, he said.

Indonesian police raided the Kazi Anarkoly's Jakarta flat on July 5 and found marijuana. Later, in response to Indonesian authorities' request, Dhaka recalled her to the foreign ministry last week.

Asked if the diplomat had impunity under the Vienna Convention, Shahriar Alam said there was nothing wrong with that as a foreigner shared her flat.