IOJ demands expulsion of Indian envoy

Dhaka, Aug 3 (UNB)

Over one thousand people forming a human chain on Monday demanded expulsion of Indian High Commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakraborty for violating the diplomatic norms and etiquette.

Under the banner of Islami Oikya Jote (IOJ), the leaders announced a mass gathering on October 16 to press home the demand.

Chakraborty had recently made statements criticizing Bangladesh water experts for opposing the proposed Tipaimukh Dam across the Sylhet border and calling Indian visa seekers ‘touts’.

The human chain starting from south gate of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque extended to the High Court that lasted about an hour.

IOJ chairman Mufti Fazlul Haq Amini, secsatary genaral Maolana Abdul Latif Nezami and Dhaka city president Maolana Abul Kashem led the human chain and briefly spoke.

Amini said the Indian envoy had deliberately made the disgraceful remarks about the people of Bangladesh. The government manifested its subservient policy by not asking India to withdraw its High Commissioner.

He announced a programme of countrywide meetings and rallies to whip up the movement against the Indian High Commissioner for his audacity.

IOJ chief said they will launch a mass movement against the Tipaimukh Dam and Asian Highway.