The Hindu : International / India & World : India concerned at Islamic outfit's activities in Bangladesh

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 31, 2004

International

International - India & World

India concerned at Islamic outfit's activities in Bangladesh

By Haroon Habib

DHAKA, MAY 30. India has expressed "concern" over some recent developments in Bangladesh, including the huge haul of arms and ammunition in Chittagong and the emergence of an Islamic outfit led by one `Bangla Bhai' in the country's northern region adjoining West Bengal.

The Indian High Commissioner, Veena Sikri, met the Bangladesh Foreign Minister, Morshed Khan, a few weeks ago to express India's concern at the seizure of the arms and ammunition which were reportedly meant for smuggling into the north-east.

The issue was also raised in the recent talks between the Bangladesh Defence Rifles and the Border Security Force in Dhaka, when the BSF Director-General, Ajay Raj Sharma, requested the Bangladesh authorities to ascertain the "origin and destination" of the seized military hardware in the interest of both the countries.

On Saturday, Ms. Sikri called on the former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, Sheikh Hasina, and discussed with her the prevailing political, social and economic situation.

While Ms. Sikri termed it a "friendly meeting," an Awami League spokesman said the meeting was "significant" since a new Government had assumed office in India.

"It was a friendly meeting. We thanked the Opposition leader for her message of felicitation sent to the new Government in India," Ms. Sikri told journalists.

Later, briefing newsmen, the Awami League leader and Ms. Hasina's aide, Kazi Zafar Ullah, said the Indian envoy had expressed her concern over the emergence of `Bangla Bhai' and the growing activities of his outfit in the northern districts. India was "closely monitoring" the Islamic militants' activities, Ms. Sikri was quoted as saying.

While secular politicians are blaming the Khaleda Zia Government for its links with what they termed "Bangladeshi Taliban," there are reports in the media about the "unlawful activities" of Bangla Bhai, a trained middle-aged fanatic whose private army, described as the "vigilante force to annihilate Left extremists," has established its own administration in the Rajshahi region.

The United States Assistant Secretary of State for South Asia, Christina Rocca, had expressed her concern at the activities of Bangla Bhai during her recent visit to Dhaka.

Bangla Bhai, the self-styled "commander" of the outfit having thousands of volunteers, many of whom are activists of the ruling alliance, is operating with the alleged blessings of a powerful lobby in the Government.

Despite an "order of arrest" from the Prime Minister, Bangla Bhai is still at large and commanding his men.

In her talks with Ms. Hasina, the Indian envoy also raised the issue of "insurgency camps being operated in Bangladesh against India." They discussed the huge trade gap between the two countries.

"If Bangladesh signs a free trade agreement with India, it would help reduce the trade gap," Ms. Sikri was quoted as having said.

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