BNP National Standing Committee member and former minister Major (Retd.) Hafizuddin Ahmed (Bir Bikram) has urged Bangladesh to remain neutral in the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan. Speaking to Bangladesh Pratidin, Hafiz said that the country should avoid taking sides in a war between two nuclear-armed neighbors and instead advocate for immediate peace.
“We must remain neutral. This war must stop immediately,” Hafiz said. “We support world peace and human rights. Involvement in this conflict does not serve our national interest.”
He pointed out that the causes of the conflict remain unclear and that Bangladesh lacks the clarity and capacity to assign blame. “We don’t know who is truly responsible. Our economy, military, and regional position demand that we stay out of this,” he stated.
Hafiz expressed concern about the potential use of nuclear weapons. “If nuclear weapons are used, their effects will not stay confined to borders. Fallout can spread through the air, affecting neighboring countries like ours,” he warned. “This is why we urge the United Nations to intervene and enforce a ceasefire.”
Criticizing India’s role in the regional unrest, Hafiz accused the country of ignoring UN resolutions on Kashmir and promoting Hindutva ideology. “India has violated every Security Council resolution on Kashmir. It is now a Hindutva state suppressing Muslims worldwide, with support only from Israel,” he said. “Still, we do not wish for war—we want peace.”
He also underscored the toll of conflict on underdeveloped nations. “Wars are a luxury for third-world countries like ours. Our people live in poverty. We cannot afford to be dragged into wars created to feed political egos or arms trade interests,” he said.
Major Hafiz concluded by urging both India and Pakistan to abandon hostilities and choose peace. “Let this war not escalate. Let it stop here—for the sake of the region, for the sake of our people.”
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
