Condemning the statement of Pakistan Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, a senior Minister of Bangladesh said his country fought the 1971 Liberation War “on its own” and India stood by it as there was an international consensus.
Mr. Aziz had told Pakistan’s Parliament that Islamabad had taken “strong notice” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement in Dhaka “acknowledging” India’s “intervention” in the events of 1971, reports said on Wednesday. “Pakistan will take all possible steps to expose India’s role in the break-up of East Pakistan in 1971 and its threat to destabilise Pakistan through terrorism,” Mr. Aziz had said.
‘Friendly alliance’Reacting to this, Mr. Haq told The Hindu : “We fought the war on our own. Bangladesh and India formed a friendly alliance, approved by the international community, including the United Nations. India did not target Pakistan and only worked closely with Bangladesh.”
“In fact, I will move a step forward and ask why our relationship with Pakistan has not improved over the decades. I would say, it is because they [Pakistan] have not extended an apology for the atrocities they committed,” said Mr. Haq, who is a senior leader of the Left-leaning Jatiyo Somajtantrik Dal, an ally of the ruling Awami League-led government in Bangladesh.
Mr. Haq further alleged that Pakistan was abetting “militancy” in Bangladesh.
‘No fence between us’While hoping for a comprehensive border management with the exchange of instruments of the Land Boundary Agreement (1974) and Protocol (1911), Mr. Haq said sealing of the border was “not necessary”.
“We are two friendly nations and thus we can address all issues amicably. Things like barbed wire are not expected to be raised between friends,” Mr. Haq said.
The Minister was also optimistic about “a speedy” solution to the water sharing issue.
“When we met the Prime Minister [Mr. Modi], he told us categorically that the issue of water sharing — especially that of the Teesta and the Feni — will be addressed and solved amicably. I do not have any reason to doubt his commitment,” Mr. Haq said.
