Al Qaeda operating in BD, says India

Published November 30, 2002

BANGALORE, Nov 29: Top Indian officials said on Friday they had proof that Al Qaeda extremists were operating in neighbouring Bangladesh, seeking to substantiate allegations that have been vigorously denied by Dhaka.

Defence Minister George Fernandes said the government not only had intelligence information but also actual proof from Border Security Force troops operating on the frontier and journalists who work in the area.

He also claimed that Pakistan was active in Bangladesh and that the Pakistani High Commission in Dhaka had become a “nerve centre” for activities of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency. Bangladesh has vigorously rejected the charges but said it would investigate.

“Nobody expects anyone to say that ‘Yes, yes we have them in our territory.’ They are contradicting it. It was expected they would contradict,” Fernandes said. Indian intelligence agencies have reported an increased presence of the ISI and Islamic fundamentalists, he said.

Dhaka has alleged that criminals fleeing its month-and-a-half army-led crackdown on crime have taken refuge in India.

India also suspects that tribal guerillas and ethnic separatists from its northeastern states have entrenched bases in the rugged Chittagong hill tracts of Bangladesh and return to their hideouts after launching strikes here.—AFP

Opinion

Editorial

Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...
Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...