Bangladesh denies illegal migration to India

Bangladesh has categorically denied the Indian allegation of illegal migration from Bangladesh and promotion of anti-Indian insurgency on its soil.

The denial came from the Bangladesh side when Indian Leader of the Opposition in Parliament LK Advani made a courtesy call on Prime Minister Khaleda Zia at her hotel suite Wednesday morning.

During the general discussion at the meeting, Advani raised his concern over the so-called illegal migration from Bangladesh and “fundamentalism in Bangladesh.”

In response, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia said there is no illegal migration from Bangladesh to India and there is no reason to do so, as sufficient development in all spheres has been taking place in the country.

She invited Advani to visit Bangladesh to see for himself the actual scenario and the progress being made by Bangladesh.

The Prime Minister said her visit is aimed at developing relations and partnership through cooperation for the benefit of the two peoples.

On the allegation of fundamentalism, she said Bangladesh is a country where complete religious harmony has been prevailing and people of all faiths performing their respective religious activities peacefully.

Khaleda further said that despite communal disturbances in many countries, no such violence has taken place in Bangladesh and no citizen of Bangladesh has become the target of each other.

Foreign Secretary Hemayetuddin said Advani expressed happiness over Begum Zia’s visit to India and hoped it would be successful.

Both Khaleda and Advani stressed the need for continued dialogue between the two countries to address all issues for mutual benefit.

Asked about Advani’s remarks to newsmen after his meeting with the Prime Minister that there are 172 ant-insurgent camps in Bangladesh, Hemayet outright dismissed the allegation saying if they can provide any evidence, the government will take legal action.

He said Bangladesh is against all sorts of terror and will not allow its territory for any kind of terrorism and insurgency.

Rather, Hemayet said, they have information about anti-Bangladeshi camps and hardcore criminals in India.