Children of stranded Pakistanis demand equal rights

"We are neither stranded nor Pakistanis. We are Bangladeshi as we were born and brought up in this country," said Md Sadaqat Khan, president of the Stranded Pakistani Youth Rehabilitation Movement, at a press conference at the National Press Club in the city.

He alleged that a vested quarter is politicising the issue by terming Urdu-speaking people as stranded Pakistanis.

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Criticising the move by the Stranded Pakistanis General Repatriation Committee, Sadaqat Khan said, "The committee leaders was now seeking rehabilitation of Urdu-speaking people in Bangladesh when we are demanding Bangladeshi citizenship."

"They have thrown our life into uncertainty in the name of repatriation to Pakistan," he added.

Sadaqat also claimed that most Urdu-speaking people in Bangladesh support the movement initiated by his organisation.

He called on the government to provide civic amenities, including proper housing and sanitation, for the Urdu-speaking people in Bangladesh.

"We are living in a inhuman condition as we are denied rights as citizens of Bangladesh," Sadakat said.

The organisation will submit a memorandum to the prime minister and the Pakistani high commissioner, and form a human chain in front of the United Nations office in Dhaka to press home its demand.

Shahed Ali Bablu and Mustaq Ahmed also spoke at the press conference.