Diplomatic ties with Pakistan to remain: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said categorically that Bangladesh is not going to sever diplomatic relations with Pakistan for its support for war criminals being tried in Bangladesh.

“Diplomatic relations would be there. But we don’t accept such comments,” the PM said while replying to a reporter’s query whether the country would cut ties or maintain ‘limited relations’ with Pakistan for issuing statements in favour of Jamaat-e-Islami war criminals.  
Pakistan’s role now proves it again that these elements work as its agents. It is clear that they don’t want Independence of Bangladesh and were involved in genocide during the 1971 Liberation War, she said.

The PM was addressing a press conference at Gono Bhaban, her official residence, on return of her visit of Saudi Arabia on the invitation of King Faisal.

Talking about secret killings, the PM urged the people to come forward to resist secret killings being carried out throughout the country.

Talking on joining a Saudi-led coalition to counter terrorism, Hasina said Bangladesh would cooperate with the Saudi Arabia in the field.

Pointing out that at least 40 countries in the world are working to curb the terrorism and militancy globally, she said: “We will remain with Saudi Arabia all time on this issue.” 

When asked to comment on deaths in violence during the recently-ended Union Parishad polls, PM Hasina said violence during elections in the country is not a new phenomenon.

When a reporter pointed out that the violence took place between the candidates, Hasina said Awami League would take steps so that rebel candidates do not contest the polls in the future.

Terming the election violence unacceptable, she said her government would take steps against it. “We don’t want to see recurrence of such incidents in the future.”

Source: thedailystar