DHAKA: Diplomatic tension has been aroused between Dhaka and Ankara over Turkish President Abdullah Gul`s letter to President Zillur Rahman seeking clemency to the war criminals including Ghulam Azam.
Earlier on December 23, Turkish President Abdullah Gul, in a letter, called President Zillur Rahman for clemency to the war criminals.
In the letter, Abdullah Gul said, “It would create instability in socio-economic arena of Bangladesh if the war criminals are tried.”
Gul said the accused leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami are too old to stand trial.
Besides, the Turkey government summoned Bangladesh Ambassador to Turkey Zulfiqar Rahman over the matter, a day after Dhaka summoned Turkish Ambassador in Bangladesh Mehmet Vakur Erkul on Wednesday.
Foreign Ministry sources said it is an unfair demand in diplomatic policy. There is no way to step back from the trial of war criminals as it is the poll pledge of the ruling government.
Turkish president’s letter is an attempt to hamper the trial process as the government has not announced the verdict yet.
Sources said the government has taken the matter seriously. The on arrival visa facility between Bangladesh and Turkey would be cancelled.
Earlier, a 14-member delegation of Turkey visited Bangladesh through on arrival visa for lobbying on favour of the war criminals.
BDST: 1150 HRS, DEC 28, 2012
Edited by: Shahin Afroz, Newsroom Editor, eic@banglanews24.com
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