The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury yesterday morning said his farewells in tears as he left Bangladesh for London, ending his four-year extended diplomatic assignment in his paternal place.

"Farewell Bangladesh, stay well, see yout(inaudible)," he told reporters in emotion-charged broken words before boarding a British Airways aircraft at Zia International Airport. Choudhury did not use the VIP lounge perhaps to avoid journalists from print and electronic media. But just before boarding the aircraft, he turned back to reporters and made the brief remarks. Emotion was so intense he could not finish off his last word.

During his series of press interviews, Choudhury has said he leaves Bangladesh as a fulfilled man. "I'm leaving Bangladesh with a song in my heart," he said.

In London, Choudhury will assume a critical senior diplomatic position at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

His new role as Director for the UK's policy and relations with International Institutions, particularly the UN, the EU, NATO, the G8, the Commonwealth, the US, the World Bank and the IMF, encompasses one of the UK's top international priorities, and will involve working very closely with Number 10 Downing Street (the Prime Minister's office).

Stephen Nicholas Evans, a highly experienced and accomplished diplomat with in-depth experience of South Asia, replaces Choudhury in June.