DHAKA: Jayanta Ghosal, prominent Indian journalist, categorically said BJP leader Narendra Modi’s speech on Bangladeshi people’s infiltration in India is an attempt to provoke Bengalese.

The issue of infiltration has to be considered from the humanist point of view.

He came up with the observations in a roundtable meeting titled ‘India Election 2014: Bangladesh-India Relationship’ in a city hotel on Saturday.

Jayanta also said, “Both Bangladesh and India are sovereign countries and they have mature foreign policies. This is why they have to behave like neighbours keeping their positions intact.”

He also said, “Diplomacy has its own way of movement and we have to follow that.”

Ghosal further said, “People here talked about the speech of Modi. I only can say humanist behaviour is required here. Modi said, we have to take steps about trespassing. He also tried to connect the issue with economic relationship. I consider this as an attempt to provoke Bengalese.”

“Political leaders have to be committed to the socio-political aspirations of the people. I believe people from both Bangladesh and India cherish humanist views,” he added.

Barrister Ameer Ul Islam said, “One day regional problems will affect us if we, being neighbouring countries, cannot retain good terms with each other.”

“It will be tough to face problems like terrorism and extremism if we cannot stay united,” Ameer added.

Former Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Dev Mukherjee, businessman Anisul Haque, Salimullah Khan, Akmal Hossain and Mahendra Veda, among others, spoke in the meeting.

BDST: 1633 HRS, May 3, 2014