Bangladesh �evaluating ties with Pakistan�
DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT
Bangladesh is evaluating its relationship with Pakistan, Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali said yesterday amidst diplomatic wrangling between the two countries over the war crimes trials. Of course, we are assessing the relationship with them (Pakistan). We are evaluating (the relationship). We are also thinking as to what can be done. But, the whole thing is a continuous process, he told a discussion on Bangladesh-India relations organised by Ekattorer Ghatok Dalal Nirmul Committee to mark the 44th anniversary of Indias recognition of Bangladesh. Following the executions of BNP leader Salauddin Quader Chowdhury and Jamaat Secretary General Ali Ahsan Muhammad Mujahid, spokesperson of Pakistans Foreign Ministry on November 22 expressed Islamabads deep concern and anguish at the executions of the duo. His remarks prompted the foreign ministry to summon Pakistans High Commissioner to Dhaka on November 23 to register a strong protest. In response, Pakistan summoned Bangladeshs Acting High Commissioner to Islamabad on November 30 and denied any atrocities committed by its forces during Bangladeshs war of independence in 1971.
Foreign Minister Ali also claimed that Pakistans former military ruler Parvez Musharraf had apologised for Pakistans atrocities in 1971. The language was not that strong. But, he (Musharraf) did apologise, the minister said.
Ali pointed out that many Pakistani citizens including Asma Jahangir and Hamid Meer did admit that their forces had committed war crimes during the war in 1971.
There is no point to say now that they didnt do anything, he said.
About the relationship between Bangladesh and India, the Foreign Minister said that the relationship is so deep and extensive that nothing will be able to
harm it.
The relationship has elevated to a special height. The relationship is now the best after 1975, he said, noting that the relationship started to suffer after the assassination of Bangabandhu.
Bangladeshs Assistant High Commissioner in Agartala assumed his responsibilities yesterday, informed Ali, paying rich tribute to the Indian State of Tripura for its assistance to Bangladesh during the war.
He also said that a Deputy High Commission will be opened soon in Guwahati of Assam.
The Minister also said that 100 megawatts of electricity will come from Tripura. Bangladesh is importing 500-megawatt electricity from India and another 500-megawatt will be imported in the coming days,
he said.
Presided over by Nirmul Committee Adviser Justice Syed Amirul Islam, the discussion was addressed, among others, by Nirmul Committee Acting President Professor Muntassir Mamoon, Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities Professor Ajay Roy and Vice President of Nirmul Committee Vice President Shyamoli Nasrin Chowdhury. Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pankaj Saran, due to attend the programme as special guest, could not be present.
Shedding lights on different aspects and importance of Bangladesh-India relationship, Professor Muntassir Mamoon said that the killings of Bangladeshis by Indian Border Security Forces cannot be accepted and that the government should be rigid in this regard.
Laying emphasis on an easier Indian visa regime, he said that one can get Indian visa by paying Tk 4,000 or Tk 6,000.
Professor Ajay Roy, father of slain writer and blogger Avijit Roy, mentioned the Saturday nights bomb blast at Kantaji Temple and said that this type of incident raised question if we have been able to establish a democratic, secular and liberal country. Whether Prime Minister Hasina admits or not, there is no doubt that there is a shadow of IS (Islamic State) in Bangladesh, he said, calling upon the young generation to wage a jihad against the fundamentalists.
