Strict decisions taken to stop Hindu killings: Bangladesh Minister
Strict decisions taken to stop Hindu killings: Bangladesh Minister
Over a thousand Hindu homes and shops have been burnt down in Bangladesh in post-poll violence.

Over a thousand Hindu homes and shops have been burnt down in Bangladesh in post-poll violence. The Bangladesh parliamentary elections which re-elected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina saw severe bloodshed.

The violence is apparently being carried out by Jamaat-e-Islami activists and opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party. The Bangladesh government has assured to stop violence in the country.

Here is an excerpt from an interview with Bangladesh Commerce Minister Tufail Ahmed.

Question: Were the parliamentary elections legitimate?

Answer: This is a legitimate election. We followed the Constitution. We asked all parties to participate. We wanted credible elections but the opposition did not follow the Constitution. Elections were peaceful and in some place violence happened, but that is common.

Question: Are another round of elections possible?

Answer: Dialogue will continue if they give congenial atmosphere without blockade programmes, killing minorities, burning their homes and buses. Governments are elected for 5 years, so is this one. Gradually everyone will accept it. Despite reservations US has said it will work with government. Russia and China have also accepted.

Question: Situation on ground vis-a-vis attacks on Hindus?

Answer: Not too many places at some five-seven places violence has happened. It was done by BNP and Jamaat together. Jamaat was banned as no politics can be based on religion. The Supreme Court gave the verdict that Jamaat is a terrorist organisation. Jamaat along with BNP is creating this problem. They took advantage of elections which is over. Constitutionally government has been formed so it will not allow such things to happen. They not only attacked Hindus, but even Muslims. But it has stopped now. Even BNP realised with this kind of killing they will not gain anything. BNP thought they will be able to stop elections with these attacks, but failed.

Question:Which districts were worst affected and what assurances can Dhaka give to New Delhi?

Answer: Attacks mainly happened in Shatkira, Jessore and Dinajpur. Killings did not take place but houses were burnt. The joint law enforcing agencies have taken a stand so this kind of thing does not happen again. They have been deployed. Violence happened immediately the day after elections, it was all of a sudden. PM Sheikh Hasina has taken firm decision and henceforth this will not happen.

Question: Next big ticket items for Indo-Bangladesh cooperation?

Answer: Most of the problems of India-Bangladesh is gone. Only LBA is there. The Government of India is waiting for elections since it needs 2/3rd majority. Bangladesh did it when Mujibur was alive. The present government is sincere and trying and this problem will also go. FTA was made on January 2006 and has taken effect from 2006. We are getting duty free market access for tobacco and liquor.

Question: The government will continue to crack down on terrorists?

Answer: Sheikh Hasina has made it very clear terrorism will not be allowed on its soil. So she decided to go ahead with elections. The government is firm to destroy these terrorists and ensure there is free atmosphere for business in Bangladesh.

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