Former military officials call for foreign policy based on 'equality' on India issue

Retired armed forces personnel have urged the government to adopt a foreign policy based on equality, distancing itself from what they described as a 'submissive stance' towards India, reports bdnews24.com.

The call was made during a rally organised by the National Unity and Solidarity Council outside the RAOWA Club in the capital's Mohakhali on Saturday.

Retired Col Mohammad Ahsanullah, the convener of the council, said: "We demand a foreign policy based on equality - no more submissive strategies. Such policies will no longer be tolerated under any circumstances."

Addressing the people of India, the veteran freedom fighter said: "We have no hostility with you; you are our friends. However, we cannot allow the dominance of Hindu supremacism cloaked in saffron to take root in our country."

Amid heightened tensions, Col Ahsanullah voiced his concerns at the Mohakhali rally, saying: "This is Bangladesh, the land of Hazrat Shahjalal, Hazrat Shah Makhdum, Atish Dipankar, Sri Chaitanya, Anukul Thakur, and Loknath Brahmachari. For centuries, we have coexisted here in harmony.

"However, we are deeply concerned by the recent actions of India's Hindu leadership following the flight of Bangladesh's 'Lady Pharaoh.' These developments reveal their aggressive intentions."

Referring to recent attacks on Bangladeshi diplomatic missions, Ahsanullah said: "The attack on our missions in Agartala and Kolkata, alongside the disrespect shown to our national flag, is a direct threat to our sovereignty and independence. Some Indian media and political leaders are also consistently spewing hostility towards Bangladesh."

He highlighted that under the Vienna Convention, attacks on embassies equate to assaults on a nation's sovereignty.

He said, "In such critical times when our sovereignty is threatened and our flag is trampled, the armed forces cannot remain silent."

He noted that despite retiring, the armed forces members remain committed to the oath they took to protect the country's independence and sovereignty.

Calling on students and workers to take a leading role in this struggle, he said: "Let me assure you, millions of trained soldiers and thousands of skilled officers in the armed forces have always stood with the people, and we will continue to do so. We are ready to sacrifice our lives for the country.

He called for unity against Indian aggression, urging the nation to set aside political divisions and come together to defend Bangladesh's sovereignty.

"Internal and international conspiracies against Bangladesh will not succeed. Together with the people, we will thwart any such threats."

Highlighting the role played by ex-military officers during the Aug 5 political crisis, retired Lt Col Manish Dewan said: "Today, we have gathered again to continue our struggle against Indian dominance."