France-Bangladesh

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Anti-French protests won't strain diplomatic ties: Foreign Minister

"There will be no adverse effects on the two countries," he told reporters in his office on Wednesday (November 4). "You have seen that the President of France has also said that his position on this issue has become very flexible."

"Some people have suggested closing the embassy or something else," he said. "But we don't think it's right to combine religion and business."

Asked about the ongoing protests in Europe, he said: "We are a democracy and everyone has the right to freedom of expression. They are not committing any acts of violence, they are not demolishing houses. If they see Europe, there is no problem. People can express their attitude. But the government has said that we do not want anyone to die. At the same time, I said that we should be restrained in touching matters."

Asked about the Foreign Minister's meeting with Najibul Bashar Maizbhandari, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Bangladesh Tarikat Federation, he said, "Mr. Maizbhandari came today and we told them we had informed the French government. They have asked us to take a resolution in Parliament. I said, I'm a member, you raise the issue. Anyone can give their opinion. Mr. Maizbhandari has given his opinion in favor of Tariqul Islam."

Asked for his opinion on the movement, the minister said, "Of course they will give their opinion and we have given this freedom to the whole country. Whatever we want, such activities should not be violent. People have the right to express their views. Express yourself in such a way that others are not attacked."