United News of Bangladesh

The Bangladesh Army remains uncompromising when it comes to the question of the country’s sovereignty, said Brigadier General Md Nazim-ud-Daula, Director of the Directorate of Military Operations at the Army Headquarters, on Monday. “Corridor-related issues are highly sensitive. For the army, national interest comes first. There will be no compromise when it comes to the country’s independence, security and sovereignty,” he said during a briefing organised by the Army Headquarters at Dhaka Cantonment. Responding to a question about the corridor issue, Brig Gen Nazim said, “The border situation with Myanmar is more sensitive now than ever before and the army is maintaining the highest level of alertness.” New wave of  border tensions: ‘Push-ins’ continue despite  Bangladesh’s protests Mentioning about the 30,000 uniforms reportedly being made for the Kuki-Chin National Front (KNF) in Chattogram, he said, “The KNF represents the Kuki community, which has a population of around 12,000. So, why were 30,000 uniforms being produced? What’s the truth behind this and who’s involved? The army is taking this matter very seriously and is thoroughly investigating.” Referring to the  ‘push-ins’ of citizens across the bordering area of the country from India, Brig Gen Nazim said such actions are “neither acceptable nor desirable.” “Currently, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) is tackling the matter effectively. However, if necessary or if directed by the government, the army will also intervene. Still, this kind of situation is highly undesirable,” he added. Bangladesh in touch with India over push-ins, port-related restrictions: Foreign Adviser Earlier, Colonel Md Shafiqul Islam, Colonel  Staff of the Directorate of Military Operations, outlined the army’s activities over the past 40 days. He said strict measures will be taken against mob violence and those who disrupt social security. Shafiqul Islam also observed that, compared to the past, the overall law and order situation has either remained stable or improved in some areas. But, he said, maintaining law and order is not the army’s sole responsibility. “It requires coordinated efforts from law enforcement agencies and other relevant institutions to bring about further improvement,” he said.    

The BNP on Monday demanded the immediate withdrawal of the statement of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the deployment of UN peacekeepers in Bangladesh, describing it as a threat to the country's independence and sovereignty. Party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, currently in the UK, made the demand during a phone conversation with UNB. “What the West Bengal Chief Minister said about sending peacekeepers to Bangladesh is completely a threat to the independence and sovereignty of our country,” he said. Dhaka sharply reacts over “heinous attack” on its Agartala mission The BNP leader said the attitudes of the Indian leaders have been exposed to some extent through this statement. “I think West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee should immediately withdraw her statement. She should not have any such thoughts as the people of Bangladesh gained independence through the Liberation War and recently they got back democracy through a revolution,” he said. Fakhrul termed Mamata’s remarks a plot against Bangladesh and said the people will prevent any conspiracy at any cost. Indian media on Monday reported that West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee urged the central government to seek the deployment of a peacekeeping mission by the Union Nations in Bangladesh to tackle the ongoing situation there. Indian media spreading propaganda about Bangladesh: Home Affairs Adviser "We have families... properties... and loved ones in Bangladesh. We accept whatever stance the Government of India takes on this...but we condemn atrocities on religious grounds anywhere in the world and appeal to the union government, and the Prime Minister, to intervene," NDTV quoted Mamata as saying. Fakhrul alleged that false stories being spread and published in the Indian media about the deterioration or endangerment of communal harmony in Bangladesh is unacceptable in any way. “The Indian journalists came to Bangladesh and they also saw the ground reality. Many renowned journalists from West Bengal also visited our country and they did not find such a situation,” he said. The BNP leader said the people of Bangladesh will never accept the way the Indian media and their leaders are spreading a complete lie and threatening the independence and sovereignty of its neighbouring country. He also said it is very unfortunate what the Indian media and politicians are saying about Bangladesh. The BNP leader mentioned that a fresh conspiracy has recently started in Bangladesh involving ISKCON. “It is very clear that the recent role of ISKCON is suspicious, mysterious, and a threat to the independence and sovereignty of Bangladesh, as well as to its stability.” Meanwhile, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi strongly protested the West Bengal Chief Minister’s comments, saying she has undermined Bangladesh’s sovereignty and independence. "It is a direct threat and interference in an independent country. The people of Bangladesh are shocked and surprised by the statement made by the West Bengal Chief Minister," Rizvi said at a press briefing at the party’s Nayapaltan central office. He also questioned Mamata’s intention behind her comments regarding the deployment of UN peacekeepers in Bangladesh. The BNP leader urged all, including members of Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, and Christian communities, to remain vigilant against the plots by India.