Bangladesh: Pakistan asked to shut up

Information Minister Hasnanul Haq Inu has asked Pakistan to refrain from making comments on the execution of war criminal Abdul Quader Molla, terming the hanging Bangladesh’s internal matter.

He communicated Bangladesh’s position a day after a resolution was passed in Pakistan’s National Assembly, expressing concern at Molla’s hanging and calling him a supporter of the ‘United Pakistan’.

Bangladesh would formally react to the resolution passed in Pakistan’s Nationl Assembly, Inu told reporters on Tuesday. Senior Awami League leader Suranjit Sengupta also on Tuesday urged the government to lodge a formal protest with Islamabad over the resolution passed on Monday. Pakistan’s Jamaat-e-Islami took to the streets following the execution of Molla on Thursday night. Jamaat-e-Islami’s National Assembly member Sher Akbar Khan on Monday tabled the resolution. The lower house of Pakistan’s Parliament also sympathised with Molla’s family. Later at an unscheduled press conference at the Secretariat, Inu said, “By speaking up for Quader Molla, Pakistan proved that it is yet to correct itself and have not deviated from their 1971 policy.” “They did not admit their mistake. I hope they will stop walking their wrong path and stop poking their nose into Bangladesh’s internal matter.” In a statement Pakistan Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan had expressed grief over the execution of Molla, according to a report published in ‘The Dawn’ newspaper of Pakistan. “Till the very end before creation of Bangladesh, he (Molla) remained a supporter of a united Pakistan and today every Pakistani is saddened and grieved by his death,” he had reportedly said. However, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Awami National Party (ANP) opposed Jamaat-e-Islami’s resolution passed with majority, according to Geo News. Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) leader Abdul Sattar Bachani said the execution of Molla was “an internal matter” of Bangladesh and Pakistan “should not interfere in the internal matters of an independent and sovereign country”. MQM leader Abdul Waseem said “we should learn from the tragedy of 1971 and ruminate how to avoid national tragedies in future”. But Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party’s Chairman and former cricket captain Imran Khan claimed Molla was “innocent” and charges against him were “false”. Inu, however, hoped that Pakistan would seek apology for their infamous role in 1971 and help the trial of war criminals. At a discussion at the Institute of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh on Tuesday, Suranjit also condemned the passage of the resolution in Pakistan's National Assembly. He said, “We must say the strong judicial system of sovereign Bangladesh delivered this verdict (on Molla). Other countries have no rights to decide on it.” “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should protest against it.” “Our foreign ministry should tell the whole world that this verdict was delivered after a prolonged hearing and by following all judicial proceedings and through the Appellate Division.” “The ICT (International Crimes Tribunal) law was formulated in line with the Tokyo (war crimes) trial and Nuremberg Convention.” The foreign ministry was preparing to lodge a formal protest, said Information Minister Inu. “The issue on which they commented is related to the dignity of Bangladesh. It is unfortunate and against the diplomatic norms.” Protesting against the Pakistan ministry’s speech, Inu said, “The penalty was executed through the judicial process of the highest court.” “Trial was not held in haste. Pakistan’s words are misleading and not based on correct information.” Suranjit, also a Liberation War organiser, said, “Pakistan is terming the verdict on war criminal Quader Molla a judicial killing.” “We strongly protest this. They did not express remorse even once for killing three million people and violating 0.2 million mothers and sisters.” Inu hoped Pakistan would extend help in continuing war crimes trials by providing information and data. “Bangladesh will continue the trial of war criminals no matter how many conspiracies take place at home and abroad.” Suranjit condemned the attacks on the minorities and the acts of sabotage carried out by activists of Jamaat-e-Islami and its student wing across the country following the hanging of Molla. “Why minorities in Satkhira be victimised if anybody is convicted for war-time genocide?” The veteran politician urged the government to take stern steps against Jamaat-Shibir violence unleashed following Molla’s execution.