‘Khaleda’s comment won’t affect ties with India’

 India assures of relations stronger than before, law minister says

A recent comment of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will not affect ties with India, Law Minister Anisul Haque said on Thursday afternoon.

The minister made the comment after holding a meeting with Indian high commissioner to Bangladesh Pankaj Saran at his ministry office.

“The envoy has assured that the relation will be stronger than before and the cooperation they were providing us will improve in the future,” he said.

Khaleda Zia had referred to the joint forces’ crackdown in Satkhira, an area believed dominated by Jamaat-e-Islami, and hinted affiliation of foreign forces.

Ruling Awami League had slammed Khaleda for her comments and demanded an apology for deteriorating the image of local law enforcers.

This comment will not affect ties with India, the law minister said. “India and Bangladesh are on the course of a very good relationship.”

“Both the countries know what happened in Satkhira. It may not affect in the friendly relation,” Anisul Haque told the media.

Discussions were also held over the recent attacks on the minority community after the 10th parliamentary elections held on January 5.

The Indian envoy said to have expressed satisfaction on the government steps taken for the minority, according to the law minister.

In response to a query, the law minister said that the extradition treaty was not discussed. “This was the envoy’s maiden visit. This issue might be discussed later.”

Source: Dhaka Tribune