DHAKA, 19 April 2004 — Bangladesh will share “substantive” and “conclusive” information with Delhi on the April 2 arms haul in Chittagong. Foreign Minister M. Morshed Khan said this after Indian High Commissioner Veena Sikri met him at the Foreign Ministry.
“We understand India’s concern over the arms haul,” Morshed said after an hour-long meeting with Sikri.
India expressed its concern over smuggling of huge arms and ammunition into Bangladesh through the sea route as Delhi feared that the weapons were perhaps destined for Indian insurgents operating in the bordering northeastern states. The Indian envoy conveyed the Indian concern.
But Khan said in categorical terms that the huge consignment of illegal weapons seized in the southeastern port city of Chittagong was not at anyone’s hint or directive.
“But because of vigilance of our intelligence, the arms were seized. If those arms could enter, it could have created havoc inside the country,” he told reporters later.
The foreign minister said the arms haul is the primary concern of the government and of Bangladesh.
Asked about Veena Sikri’s meeting with him, Khan said it was a preset meeting when they discussed all matters of bilateral interest.
Asked if the April 2 arms haul cropped up in the course of discussion, he said everything was discussed.
About some Indian media report linking Dhaka-Delhi bilateral relations with the findings of the investigation into the arms smuggling, Khan said it doesn’t matter who speaks what. However, he said, “We understand their (Indian) concern and we will keep them abreast when such situation arises.”
The Foreign Minister said an investigation team led by the home secretary is working on the arms haul. Some people have already been arrested while the police hunt went on for some others. If those wanted persons could be arrested, the mystery behind the illegal arms would be revealed.
“We’ll dig it out for our own interest since the matter is linked with our national security,” Khan said, adding, “ We don’t want to jump to any conclusion before the finding of the inquiry committee. All concerned will be informed about the findings.”
About the Chittagong mayor’s recent remarks about involvement of some foreign countries in the arms deal, the foreign minister said the mayor’s comment was disowned by his party. “It may be out of his imagination.” Mayor A.B.M. Mohiuddin Chowdhury, a top leader of the opposition Awami League, blamed the United States and Pakistan for the arms smuggling into Bangladesh.
