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Visiting Pakistani military ruler Pervez Musharraf on Wednesday once again expressed regret "for the tragedy of 1971" in a bid to reduce the strong anti-Pakistan feeling in Bangladesh.
The demand for unconditional formal apology from Pakistan for the war crimes committed by its army in 1971 has shadowed the visit of Pakistan's leader to Dhaka despite the fact that the new government in Dhaka is known to be friendly to Pakistan.
In his written speech at the banquet hosted by Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia on Tuesday evening at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Centre, Musharraf reiterated his regret, saying: "My brothers and sisters in Pakistan share with their fellow brothers and sisters in Bangladesh profound grief over the parameters of events of 1971. We feel sorry for this tragedy and the pain it caused to both our peoples."
In her speech, Zia acknowledged the regret and thanked him saying: "Thank you Mr President for your candid expression on the events of 1971. This will help, no doubt, mitigate the old wounds."
Bangladesh Foreign Minister Morshed Khan, briefing newsmen after the formal talks at a hotel Tuesday afternoon, welcomed the expression of regret. However, he added: "We don't want to embarrass a guest by discussing issues like an apology for the 1971 war. It is the spirit of the people of the two countries that will decide it."
Writer-Journalist Shahriar Kabir, convenor of the newly formed 'Agitated Citizens Society,' however, refused to accept anything short of an unconditional formal apology by Pakistan. The outfit staged a demonstration on July 29 at the Central Shahid Minar protesting against Musharraf 's visit.
Shahriar Kabir was arrested in November last year for possession of video cassettes of Hindu minority families who fled to Kolkata following persecution by Khaleda Zia's party cadres. He is facing charges of sedition.
Professor Abdul Mannan Chowdhury, a teacher of Dhaka University and secretary general of the Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee, a body agitating for trial of war criminals and collaborators of 1971 liberation war, said his organisation would not accept Musharraf's apology.
Musharraf's gloomy face seen in all functions telecast by local TV stations indicated his embarrassment during formal talks on Tuesday. Bangladesh raised two embarrassing demands:
1) Repayment of assets left by erstwhile East Pakistan and 2) Immediate repatriation of Bihari migrants who opted for Pakistan and are now identified as stranded Pakistanis.
Nasim Khan, a senior leader of stranded Pakistanis met Musharraf in his hotel suite on Tuesday and urged him to take steps in the direction of repatriation of Bihari migrants.
Musharraf left in the afternoon for Colombo.
Earlier Stories: rediff.com: Musharraf to visit Bangladesh on July 29 India vitiating peace, security in South Asia: Musharraf
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