Pakistan’s Envoy To Bangladesh Goes On Leave Amid Alleged Honeytrap Scandal

Pakistan's High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof, has taken leave following the circulation of videos online allegedly linking him to a honeytrap scandal.

According to reports by Bangladeshi daily Prothom Alo, Maroof departed from Dhaka on 11 May, travelling to Islamabad via Dubai. His abrupt departure has fuelled speculation, with many linking it to the purported scandal.

Pakistani officials have confirmed that Maroof is officially on leave, though the country's Foreign Ministry has yet to issue a formal statement. In the interim, Muhammad Asif, Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner in Dhaka, has assumed the role of Acting High Commissioner.

A senior official from Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Pakistan High Commission had formally informed them of Maroof's departure on the same day it occurred. However, the communication did not clarify the duration of his absence or the reason for the leave.

Unconfirmed reports suggest Maroof may be away for approximately two weeks. His sudden leave has triggered widespread speculation on social media.

Videos and Honeytrap Allegations Go Viral

Rumours gained traction after photos and videos - allegedly of an intimate nature - began circulating online, supposedly showing Maroof with a Bangladeshi woman. These leaks prompted suggestions that the diplomat may have fallen victim to a honeytrap.

A post by Voice of Bangladeshi Hindus on social media claimed: "The Pakistani Ambassador to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof, was in a relationship with a Bangladeshi Muslim girl. After some intimate details became public, he was sent on leave."

The same post controversially added: "There was a time when Pakistanis used to rape Bangladeshi Muslim women. Nowadays, some Bangladeshi Muslim girls are willingly giving themselves to Pakistanis."

Although the authenticity of the material remains unverified, the incident has led to speculation that Maroof may have been targeted by intelligence services or political adversaries.

Syed Ahmed Maroof was appointed as Pakistan's High Commissioner to Bangladesh in December 2023 and has been actively involved in diplomatic engagement since assuming the role.