United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh on Sunday reacted to India's remarks over the demolition of historic Dhanmondi-32 residence and described those remarks from India as "unexpected and undesirable." This statement by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs on the internal affairs of Bangladesh is "unexpected and undesirable", said Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Mohammad Rafiqul Alam while responding to a question. He said they have seen various adverse situations in the neighbouring country but Bangladesh does not officially make any statement on the internal affairs of any state. The Spokesperson said Bangladesh also expresses the same expectation from others. "As you know, the former Prime Minister has been making political statements at various times while staying in India, which is not being received well by the people of Bangladesh," Rafiqul Alam said. He mentioned that the interim government has already made its position clear on the situation that arose at Dhanmondi 32 based on her statement on February 5. Earlier, India said the act of vandalism at the historic residence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman should be "strongly condemned.” Canadian Int'l Development Minister to meet Dr Yunus, Foreign Adviser Monday "It is regrettable that the historic residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rehman, a symbol of the heroic resistance of the people of Bangladesh against the forces of occupation and oppression, was destroyed on February 5," said Spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Randhir Jaiswal on Thursday. All those who value the freedom struggle that nurtured Bangla identity and pride are aware of the importance of this residence for the national consciousness of Bangladesh, he said. Terming the vandalism at Dhanmondi-32 residence unfortunate and unexpected, the interim government said it was manifestation of people’s anger incited by the "provocative remarks" made by fugitive Sheikh Hasina from India against the July uprising. The interim government, in a statement on Thursday, urged India to ensure that its territory is not used to promote instability in Bangladesh and prevent Sheikh Hasina from issuing further remarks.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has accused India of directly interfering in Bangladesh's sovereignty by allowing Sheikh Hasina a 'freehand' to speak. "India may have provided her shelter, but from there, she is inciting unrest, trying to create anarchy, and Indian policymakers are supporting her. This is really strange," he said while speaking at a book launch event on Saturday. He said such a position by another state on an independent democratic nation is a gross violation of all international norms and principles. Rizvi went on to say, “I am surprised that in a democratic country like India, some journalists and the media are making such shameless statements, just like Sheikh Hasina did, siding with those fascists. It seems that the hidden treasure they have accumulated for a long time has been lost.” “Not only Sheikh Hasina but also the policymakers in India cannot tolerate the practice of democracy in Bangladesh, the possibility of development in a democratic state! Why is this? We cannot expect this from a democratic country,” the BNP leader lamented. Rizvi questioned, “Some Indians are saying that Bangladesh will no longer exist. How can Indian policymakers tolerate the idea that a neighboring independent country will cease to exist?” BNP announces nationwide rallies over high prices, slide in law and order The BNP senior leader also urged people to stay vigilant against the threat of counter-revolution.  “We, all of us who support democratic forces, must take cautious steps so that no one can take advantage of any anarchy. We must also remember that the counter-revolution always lurks, and we must not allow it to take hold.” He emphasized that the mistakes made after the revolutions in various countries should not be repeated. He believed that if these lessons were learned, there would never be a counter-revolution again. Support for govt to continue despite its “weak nature”: Hafizuddin Rizvi said that the country would progress along the path of democracy and would not accept anything that was anti-national, anti-democratic, or detrimental to sovereignty. “We will never accept anything that goes against what Bengalis' history and culture represents, and we will never tolerate interference from others in advancing it. This is the way we must move forward. We must preserve the changes we have made through our efforts,” he added.

India on Friday said the comments attributed to former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have been made in her individual capacity in which India has no role to play. Bangladesh acting High Commissioner to India Md Nural Islam was summoned by the Ministry of External Affairs to the South Block to convey India's position. MEA official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said it was conveyed that India desires a positive, constructive and mutually beneficial relationship with Bangladesh, which has been reiterated several times in recent high-level meetings. "It is, however, regrettable that regular statements made by Bangladesh authorities continue to portray India negatively, holding us responsible for internal governance issues," he said. Vandalism at Dhanmondi-32 residence should strongly be condemned: India These statements by Bangladesh are in fact responsible for the persistent negativity, said the MEA Spokesperson in response to media queries on summoning the Bangladesh acting High Commissioner. Conflating this with the government of India’s position is not going to help add positivity to bilateral relations, he said. Ex-PM Hasina’s remarks instigating instability in Bangladesh: Dhaka to Delhi “While the government of India will make efforts for a mutually beneficial relationship we expect that Bangladesh will reciprocate similarly without vitiating the atmosphere,” the MEA Spokesperson added. "Safety of diplomatic mission is responsibility of host govt and I have no doubt Bangladesh authorities are aware of responsibilities," said Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on safety of Indian Diplomatic mission in Dhaka during a separate briefing in New Delhi.