Dhaka warns Islamabad to stop 'interfering' in internal affairs

Bangladesh in a stern note has asked Pakistan to stop interfering in its internal affairs, following a statement made by latter about the apex court verdict on condemned war criminal Motiur Rahman Nizami.

"We never welcome anyone's concern in our domestic affairs but Pakistan is interfering in our domestic issues despite our repeated reminders," the Daily Star quoted Shahriar Alam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs as saying.

The foreign ministry of Pakistan in the statement on Friday expressed "deep concern and anguish" over the Bangladesh Supreme Court's dismissal of the review petition of Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Nizami.

Responding to Islamabad's statement, Alam said those being tried for their crimes against humanity are Bangladeshi citizens but Pakistan was sad for them.

"We are disappointed with Pakistan's reaction," he added.

Alam asked Pakistan to stop misleading people with reference to the Pakistan, India, Bangladesh Agreement of April 9, 1974, in which the countries agreed not to proceed with the trial of 195 prisoners of war repatriated to Pakistan.

He pressed that agreement never implied that the masterminds and perpetrators of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity would continue to enjoy impunity.

Alam said the people who committed crimes against humanity were working on behalf of Pakistan.

"I consider this a dangerous issue as these war criminals are trying to assure their future generation with the notion that Pakistan as a state will stay beside them," he added.