Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith yesterday refused to say anything about the fate of Bangladesh’s monetary claims from Pakistan.
“I cannot say anything about this as it needs psychological change of Pakistan. But I do not know if it will be possible for a rogue country like Pakistan,” he said.
Referring to the wealth distribution between India and Pakistan after the separation in 1947, the minister said there was a referee who did not take anyone’s side.
He said when diplomatic relations were established between the two countries, Bangladesh began to place the claim. “I was the chairman of that committee.”
Recalling the first visit of then Pakistani prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Muhith said: “Then Bangladesh prime minister Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman raised the claim strongly and I was the member of that delegation.”
He said Bhutto did not respond to the claim. “Bhutto refused to discuss anything with us about it.”
The finance minister, however, said a discussion regarding the claim was later held.
“The OIC helped us and the discussion began. But it never went far as Pakistan never admitted. This is the character of Pakistan,” said Muhith.
He said Bangladesh always tries to realise the claim from Pakistan.
“Whenever our delegation meets their delegation, the demand is always placed,” added Muhith.
