Deputy head of mission in Indonesia had marijuana in possession, investigation finds

A primary investigation by the foreign ministry has found that Kazi Anarkoly, deputy head of mission in Indonesia, had possessed marijuana at her Jakarta residence.

"We got some information based on the primary investigation about her possessing marijuana. This is contradictory to the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules. So, we will consider departmental actions," Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen told reporters at the foreign ministry today.

Foreign ministry called Kazi Anarkoly back to Dhaka as she was accused of possessing marijuana at her Jakarta residence and sharing it with another foreign citizen.

On July 5, Indonesian police raided Anarkoly's Jakarta flat and found marijuana. She remained detained for a few hours but was later released as the Bangladeshi Embassy intervened.

The foreign ministry had then formed a probe committee led by Secretary (East) of foreign ministry Mashfee Binte Shams.

Masud Bin Momen said the media report that there was a large amount of marijuana was not right.

Asked why she possessed marijuana, he said they could know it when they make further investigation.

He also said that the media report that Anarkoly shared her residence with a foreigner was not right.

Asked if the foreign ministry would take any criminal case against her, the foreign secretary said the law is different in different countries on marijuana. In half of the states in the US, consuming or possessing it is not a crime. In the Netherlands, it is not a crime at all.

"So, basically we will take departmental actions," he said without specifying what the punitive actions are.