Govt urged to cut ties with Pakistan

Bangladesh should not continue any relation with Pakistan because of its heinous role during the 1971 War of Liberation, said Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique yesterday, reports BSS.

He was addressing a discussion, organised by Bangabandhu Parishad, at the capital's Jatiya Press Club, marking Homecoming Day of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Meanwhile, member of Advisory Council of Awami League Dr SA Malek said no unity would be forged with those who had patronised terrorism.

Malek, also general secretary of the parishad, criticised the call of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to form a national unity.

Prof ABM Faruqe, former dean of DU pharmacy faculty, among others, addressed the discussion.

Our staff correspondent adds, Imran H Sarker, spokesperson of a faction of Gonojagoron Mancha, yesterday issued an ultimatum to the government to sever diplomatic relations with Pakistan within 72 hours.

Or else, the Pakistan high commission in Dhaka would be besieged, he threatened at a rally at Shahbag in Dhaka.

He said there was no chance to show mercy or compromise if any country assaulted the dignity of Bangladesh. "So we think the government should take a bold step right now," he said, adding that neither Pakistan and the United States nor any other country did have the right to talk about or look into the internal affairs of Bangladesh.