AL, allies plan human chain against Khaleda, Pakistan Feb 15
UNB
The ruling 14-party alliance, led by Awami League, will form a human chain in the capital on February 15 as part of a campaign against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia for her controversial remarks about the number of 1971 Liberation War martyrs. The human chain protest is also meant to protest against Pakistans interference in Bangladeshs internal politics amid growing discontent between the two countries, reports UNB. Awami League presidium member and 14-party spokesman Mohammad Nasim announced the programme in a press briefing after a meeting of the alliance yesterday. In reference to the recent diplomatic spat between Bangladesh and Pakistan, Nasim, also the health and family planning minister, said he hoped Pakistan would come to its senses. We hope that Pakistan will try to keep (good) relations with us. Otherwise, we have to think whether we will maintain diplomatic ties with Pakistan, he said. Nasim, a member of Parliament from Sirajganj, also said that the alliance would request foreign ministry to raise the issue in SAARC forum. Pakistan last year officially questioned the ongoing war crimes trial, especially the execution of Jamaat-e-Islami leader Ali Ahsan Mohammad Mujahid and BNP leader Salahuddin Quader Chowdhury in November. Bangladesh strongly protested the move and warned Pakistan not to attempt to interfere in domestic issues.
