India-Pakistan tension: Bangladesh expresses concern, urges both the countries to remain calm

Expressing deep concern over the ongoing tension between India and Pakistan, Bangladesh has urged both the countries to remain calm.

In a statement issued today (7 May), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government also urged both the countries to show restraint and refrain from taking any steps that could further aggravate the situation.

Mentioning that the Government of Bangladesh is closely observing the evolving situation in India and Pakistan, the statement said, "In the spirit of regional peace, prosperity and stability, Bangladesh remains hopeful that tensions will be defused through diplomatic endeavours, and that peace will ultimately prevail for the benefits of the peoples in the region."

The statement comes following India's precision strikes in Pakistan, which were launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

The Indian government has emphasised that the strikes were "measured and non-escalatory," targeting only known terror camps and avoiding civilian, economic, or military facilities. 

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described India's missile strikes targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan's Punjab province and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as an "act of war" and said his country has every right to give a "befitting reply".

Meanwhile, at a press briefing, Pakistan Army spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed that at least eight people had been killed and 35 injured.

BNP condemns attack

BNP acting Chairperson Tarique Rahman condemned military attacks by India and Pakistan as the neighbouring countries engage in military warfare.

In a Facebook post on his official page today, the politician also extended condolences to the families of the victims of the attack.

"As there is escalation of tension in the neighbourhood, we condemn military attacks and extend condolences to the victim families. We urge stakeholders to show restraint and take steps for a peaceful solution to the conflict," reads the post.

"A stable and peaceful region, built upon shared interests and aspirations, serves the best interests of all," it adds.

NCP expresses concern

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has expressed concern regarding the strike by India on Pakistan in the early hours of Wednesday. 

"This incident has significantly aggravated the already tense relations between the two nations, pushing the situation towards a state of war and directly undermining regional peace and stability in South Asia," said the party in a statement.

The NCP called upon both India and Pakistan to exercise utmost patience and restraint, prioritising the imperative of peace and stability in the region.

Furthermore, the NCP highlighted a severe threat to Bangladesh's national security posed by thousands of fugitive Awami League leaders and activists, who are currently residing in India. 

"They are actively conspiring to exploit the prevailing regional tensions to foment instability and anarchy within Bangladesh," it said.

The party called on the interim government and border forces to carry out their responsibilities with utmost professionalism and maintain constant, around-the-clock surveillance.