Pak. recalls diplomat from Dhaka

By Haroon Habib

DHAKA, NOV. 30. Pakistan has recalled its controversial Deputy High Commissioner from Dhaka in the face of nationwide angry protests and demands for his expulsion on charges of ``audacious and derogatory'' remarks about the ruling Awami League and Bangladesh liberation war in 1971.

The decision to recall Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Irfan-ur Raja, was conveyed to the Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad today. ``We regret the controversy surrounding the reported remarks of the Pakistan Deputy High Commissioner,'' a Pakistani Foreign Office spokesperson was quoted as saying in Islamabad.

The official added that the diplomat was withdrawn as circumstances in Dhaka had made it ``impossible for the officer to carry out his duties and responsibilities as a member of the High Commission.''

The Bangladesh Foreign Minister, Mr. Abdus Samad Azad, while commenting that it was ``a positive step'', added that it was done under pressure. ``It was due to the pressure from the people of Bangladesh and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that Pakistan decided to take its man back,'' Mr. Azad told BSS news agency. However, the people of Bangladesh ``rejected with indignation and hatred'' the remarks which had ``done damage to our bilateral relations,'' he added.

Meanwhile, a Bangladesh Foreign Ministry official said Bangladesh had been preparing to expel Mr. Raza if he was not recalled by today.

Mr. Raja at a seminar on Monday had said the atrocities committed during Bangladesh's 1971 Independence war were initiated by ``miscreants'' of the Awami League, meaning the Bengali freedom fighters, and not by the Pakistan army.

While the remarks sparked off nationwide protests and demands for his immediate expulsion, the Bangladesh Foreign Ministry had lodged a strong protest summoning the Pakistan High Commissioner.

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Section  : International
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