Bangladesh denies al-Qaeda claim

Islamic groups demonstrating in Dhaka

The Bangladesh government has strongly protested against recent remarks of the Indian Deputy Prime Minister, LK Advani.

Bangladesh never expected such aspersions to be made by a responsible leader of the Indian government.

Bangladesh Foreign Secretary SM Chowdhury

Mr Advani was quoted as saying that Pakistan's intelligence service, ISI and al-Qaeda had increased their activities inside Bangladesh since the last general elections.

Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Shamser Mobin Chowdhury summoned the Indian High Commissioner Monilal Tripathi on Sunday and handed over the protest note.

It described the allegations as baseless and incorrect.

Advani remarks arouse protest

Mr Chowdhury said Bangladesh never expected such aspersions to be made by a responsible leader of the Indian government.

Mr Advani was also quoted as saying that Dhaka was providing what he called covert support and refuge to separatist rebel groups operating in the north-eastern states of India.

Hand over militants

According to media reports, India has handed over to Dhaka a list of 99 militant training camps operating from inside Bangladesh.

Lack of response has created serious misgivings about the sincerity and seriousness with which India's concerns are being addressed.

Statement by the Indian High Commission Dhaka

India has demanded the closure of these camps.

The reports say the Delhi government has also handed over a list of 77 insurgents who it says have been active in the militancy-gripped north-eastern Indian states.

Later, the Indian High Commission in Dhaka released a statement demanding repatriation of some Indian rebel leaders jailed in Bangladesh.

The statement said: "Lack of response has created serious misgivings about the sincerity and seriousness with which India's concerns are being addressed."

However, the Bangladesh foreign Secretary said Bangladesh did not allow its territory to be used by insurgents against any of its neighbours, including India.

Mr Chowdhury added that all allegations of anti-India activity in Bangladesh had been thoroughly investigated and found to be without any basis.