Dhaka welcomes decision to take back Pakistanis

Bangladesh yesterday welcomed Pakistan's reported position on the repatriation of its citizens from here and actions proposed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif against those who caused pains and hardship to the people of this country during the War of Liberation.

Newspapers, quoting wire service reports last week, reported that Sharif promised to punish those responsible for the 1971 "tragedy" which saw the birth of Bangladesh and expressed his readiness to take back stranded Pakistanis from Bangladesh once funds become available.

A top official of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told BSS yesterday "we appreciate the Pakistan government's position. But we would like them to go a little further to express their regret for the crimes committed against the people of Bangladesh."

He said Sharif "would also punish those responsible for the genocide committed in Bangladesh during the War of Liberation."

Pakistan should now recognise that Bangladesh is a reality and that both the countries should live as sovereign and independent states, the official said, adding that "there should be friendly and cordial relations between Bangladesh and Pakistan similar to the one that exists between two sovereign states."

As for repatriation of the stranded Pakistanis, the official said, "we hope Pakistan will make every effort to raise the necessary fund." He said on the part of Bangladesh "we will cooperate with Pakistan in the process of repatriation."

Replying to a question, he said "we are yet to receive any formal communication from Pakistan on the matter."

He said that this was for the first time any head of government of Pakistan promised to punish those responsible for their crimes in 1971. Sharif's "firm commitment" to repatriate their citizens was a positive response to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's call, he added.

When his attention was drawn about Anup Chetia, top ULFA leader, the official reiterated Bangladesh's position - to follow legal procedure against an offender.

About the report that decision has been taken to hand over Chetia, the official said it is not true. The decision will follow after court verdict.