DHAKA, 30 March 2004 — US Ambassador Harry K. Thomas’ remarks about political stability and fulfillment of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party government’s five-year term has stirred a hornet’s nest as leftist opposition politicians here termed it unbecoming of a foreign diplomat

Leftwing leaders yesterday censured Harry’s remarks as “interference” in the domestic politics, and they said that it is the people who are to decide who would rule the country

But major opposition Awami League, which has given Prime Minister Khaleda Zia the April 30 deadline for her government’s resignation, appeared cautious about the remarks, saying that the US ambassador perhaps reflected his mind expecting an ideal political situation in Bangladesh.

On Sunday Ambassador Thomas told reporters that the US government would like to see political stability in Bangladesh with BNP fulfilling its term, unless Parliament decided to pull down the government

Awami League organizing secretary Saber Hossain Chowdhury said what the US ambassador said is perhaps his normal expectation of an ideal political situation in Bangladesh.

“As a diplomat and well-wisher of Bangladesh, the ambassador’s observation is a mere reflection of his expectation of smooth democratic process and political stability, which of course is our expectation too. The Ambassador has said what one would expect from a seasoned diplomat,” he told newsmen.