Ameer of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Maqbul Ahmad has issued the following statement on 8 August 2019 expressing deep concern as India demanded a piece of Bangladeshi land in Brahmanbaria to upgrade and expand the Agartala airport.

“I am surprised and shocked as the India has made a request expecting a piece of Bangladeshi land in Brahmanbaria to upgrade and expand the Agartala airport. The people of Bangladesh are also worried over the situation.

Bangladesh is a small country with huge population. It is one of the most densely populated countries of the world. The country is already suffering due to over burden with its over 160 million people. While, India is a bigger country with huge land areas. Despite such reality, India has demanded a piece of land from Bangladesh. The people of Bangladesh firmly believe that, India’s demand of a Bangladeshi land for expanding Agartala airport is a threat to country’s sovereignty. Country’s questions of security are also related with this issue.  

We are observing with shocking surprise that although India has made this demand public, but the government of Bangladesh is still trying to keep it secret. But what is their purpose and interest behind such silence?

As the government of Bangladesh failed to resolve many burning issues including the share of common river’s water and Tin Bigha corridor, under such circumstance, another sensitive demand from India is intentional and mysterious.

I hope that the government would disclose the issue before the people and undertake decisions upholding the national interest. If they bow down before the unjust demand of Indian authority, the countrymen will not accept it.