Pankaj on Bangladesh’s peace, stability
India is consulting Bangladesh’s ongoing political situation with other countries including the United States, which have interest in peace and stability in the country, Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Pankaj Saran said yesterday. “We are discussing the situation in Bangladesh with different countries … so, we have discussed the issue also with the American government … But I do not want to go into with what level and whom,” Pankaj told reporters while inaugurating a new building at the Dharmarajika Buddhist Monastery at Sabujbagh in the capital.
The dining hall – cum- library building was constructed with financial assistance from the Indian government.
He declined to make any comment when asked about a recent report of the Indian official news agency PTI that US President Barack Obama had instructed his officials to “ramp up consultations” with India on Bangladesh’s political crisis.
About his meeting with Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the envoy said, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s son had come to his residence to update them on the prevailing situation in Bangladesh and Awami League’s views on the upcoming elections.
His meeting was part of regular dialogues that they maintained with all the political parties here, Pankaj added.
In response to a query about the Indian High Commission’s November 11 statement on Bangladesh’s political situation, Pankaj said, “I think there is a certain view that we had. It is appropriate to convey our views to the stakeholders concerned in Bangladesh … they might be interested in our views.
It was only intended in the matter of clarification, I would say, or just to put forward our position.”
Speaking at the function organised by Bangladesh Buddha Kristi Prachar Sangha, the high commissioner said he felt encouraged visiting institutions like this, and it showed how Bangladesh could be an example of tolerant society to the whole world.
He hoped that the institution would help children emerge as a generation of hope and build a happy Bangladesh.
He recalled that he had visited the institution 25 years ago when he was in Bangladesh. “Whenever I come here, I find there is an inner peace … above all there is something which gives me energy and hope,” he said.
Chief Engineer of Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha M Emdadul Islam, president of Bangladesh Bouddha Kristi Prachar Sangha Sanghanayaka Suddhananda Mahathero and its secretary general PK Barua, among others, also addressed the function.
-With The Daily Star input
