Atrocities of 1971 cannot be forgotten and forgiven

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said Bangladesh cannot forget and forgive atrocities committed by Pakistan in 1971, according to a press release of the Press Wing of the Prime Minister's Office.

"Incidents of 1971 cannot be forgotten or forgiven," she said while Pakistan High Commissioner in Dhaka Imran Ahmed Siddiqui called on her at the Gono Bhaban.

Referring to the volumes of the book titled "Secret Documents of Intelligence Branch on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman", Hasina said all can learn many historical facts from 1948 to 1971 from the books.

Noting that the book "Unfinished Memoirs" (Urdu version) written by Bangabandhu is one of the best sellers in Pakistan, she said it is also well read in Pakistan apart from other countries.

The PM extended greetings to her Pakistan counterpart Imran Khan when the envoy conveyed the premier's good wishes to her.

The high commissioner said the Pakistani PM advised them to learn about the development miracle of Bangladesh.

Mentioning that different bilateral and regional forums have remained inactive, he sought help from Hasina to activate foreign office consultations between the two countries.

The PM said there was no bar to continuing activities regularly.

Imran Ahmed said Pakistan wants to boost relations with Bangladesh without any obstruction.

Referring to Bangladesh's foreign policy "Friendship to all, malice to none", the PM said she believes in regional cooperation.

The Pakistan envoy lauded Hasina for her statesmanship in the global arena.

The PM welcomed the high commissioner and assured him of all cooperation.

PM's Principal Secretary Ahmad Kaikaus and Military Secretary Maj Gen Naqib Ahmed Chowdhury were present.