**Letters for publication in these columns should be addressed to the Editor and legibly written or typed with double space. For reasons of space, short letters are preferred, and all are subject to editing and cuts. Pseudonyms are accepted. However, all communications must bear the writer's real name, signature and address.

Stranded Pakistanis

Sir, My attention has been drawn to a news items published in "The Daily Star" on 25 May, 1993 under the caption "Talks with Myarimar Home Minister " and "Talks on Chakmas' repatriation ", I highly appreciate the efforts Initiated by the Government of Begum Khaleda Zia with Myanmar and Indian Governments for repatriation of Rohingyas and Chakmas as per agreement reached by two countries. The on-going discussion will also help to resolve border demarcation and other bilateral issues ensuring an atmosphere of mutual understanding in the region for the welfare of general people.

But, at the same time, it pinches my heart to see that little initiative has been taken to start repatriation of 2.38 lakh stranded Pakistanis languishing In 66 camps for the last 21 years despite signing of Joint declaration by Begum Khaleda Zia at the end of her visit to Pakistan on 12 August, 1992. Our issue is humanitarian and settled one but it seems vested quarters have politicised ft for the sake of their selfish ends. What is required is the application of political will and courage by both Governments.

1 ipost sincerely appeal to honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh to take bold and decisive steps to start repatria-

tion of stranded Pakistanis to uphold the image of Joint declaration and of Government.

Governments may come and go but the agreements are respected and implemented, console the people and take them into confidence. I think one must not allow human consideration to be submerged by consideration of diplomatic advantage or political convenience. The lapse of time is gradually -adding to our grievances and sufferings which are manifold now. It has rightly been said "a stitch in time saves nine".

M Nasim Khan,

Chief Patron. SPGRC Dhaka.

Partition of Bosnia

Sir, The Bosnian crisis has entered Into a new dimension. One month after the Bosnian Serb leader Rodovan Karadzic signed the Vance-Owen peace plan at the Athens summit in the presence of Greek Prime Minister Constantine Mitso-

takis, the Serb leader declared the peace plan dead. Karadzic's spokesman said, "Americans will never intervene. Their military threats are just bluff. If they make such a senseless move we will strike back.

Serbs are not Iraqis and Americans would have another Vietnam." "If they bomb me, I will bomb London, there are Serbs in London, there are Serbs In Washington," roared Serb Army Commander Ratko Mladic. And the US Secretary of State Warren Christopher whispered "US won't act alone in Bosnia."

We fall to understand as to why Vance-Owen recommended the division of Bosnia Into ten 'autonomous states' which only added fuel to the fire. It is nothing but sheer foolishness and is impractical.

We also fail to understand as to why the solution of the Bosnian problem was not sought on the principles and guidelines of the division of the former Punjab (now East Punjab, India

and Punjab, Pakistan) and former Bengal (now Bangladesh and West Bengal. India).

After killing thousands of Muslims, driving out two millions of them from their ancestral homes, capturing 70% of their territories and holding an ostentatious and perfidious referendum on May 15-16, Rodovan Karadzic proudly announced, "The world could either face the reality that Serbs and Muslims could not live together or there would be more war." The civilized world simply stood stultified and shocked. Earlier he had threatened, "If 3rd World War erupts It will be because of the Vance-Owen plan."

The USA and Europe started trembling and got frightened.

We have painfully observed and seen the poor handling of the Bosnian crisis by the UNO, the USA, EC, and OIC countries. We are all equally responsible and guilty of our obtuseness, lapses, negligence of duties and lack of perception for the great tragedy in Bosnia. What would be our next step? Military action against the Serbs? It is too late now. It would further deteriorate and aggravate the situation. We may take the following steps immediately:

I) Large number of UN and OIC peace keeping force may be posted In Bosnia to maintain the status quo, as it is where it is', and to protect the life and property of the Muslims.

II) An International boundary commission consisting of jurists from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and UK (because of their experiences in the partition of the former Punjab and former Bengal), the USA, Russia, China and France (being permanent members of the UN Security Council) may be formed to partition Bosnia and to demarcate the boundary line between the two peoples, the Serbs and the Muslims.

ill) The war criminals may be put on trial.

OH Kabir

Dhaka1203