Islamabad step won`t help to expand ties: Shahriar Alam

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shahriar Alam on Wednesday said Pakistan`s request to withdraw a Bangladeshi diplomat from that country without citing any reason won`t play a "supportive role" to further Dhaka-Islamabad relations.

"Under this consideration, we can say that Pakistan`s request appears as a face saving move following withdrawal of its diplomat Farina Arshad from Dhaka recently for her alleged link with terror financing," he said while talking to journalists at his office this afternoon.

"When we asked the Pakistan diplomat to leave Bangladesh, we foresaw that there would be retaliation and we worked out for her next posting in December," he added.

The state minister`s comment came a day after Pakistan asked Bangladesh to withdraw its senior diplomat Moushumi Rahman, counsellor (political) and head of Chancery, at the Bangladesh mission in Islamabad, from the country in 48 hours, without citing any reason.

When asked Shahriar Alam categorically said that Bangladesh would not give any concession to anybody if it is appeared that they could put Bangladesh`s internal law and order and image in crisis by taking the advantage of diplomatic immunity.

"We are observing and monitoring the situation...but we won`t compromise with our national interest," he said when a reporter wanted to know the country`s next action in this regard.

Responding to another question, Shahriar Alam told journalists that Bangladesh has no plan to severe or downgrade bilateral relations with Pakistan right now as the two countries have some common interest in multi-national and regional levels.

Pakistan foreign ministry summoned Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Suhrab Hossain yesterday and conveyed the message to withdraw Moushumi Rahman from the country.