Muslims championed the cause of Bangla
VognoDuut750
By A.T.M.Nurun Nabi
Tue, 7 Feb 2006, 09:14:00
Movement for giving Bengali the status of an official language in India
began its journey long before the creation of Pakistan. An English writer
N.B.Holhed in the year 1778 published a book named 'A Grammar of the Bengali
Language', (otherwise known as Holhed Grammar) in which he strongly
advocated for making Bengali, dropping Persian, official language of Indian
state of Bengal. He argued that the change would help the Company Government
go close to the people and to run the administration smoothly-
(Rashtrabhasha Andoloner Etihash by M.A.Barnik at page no.23).
Clearly this was the first voice for Bengali, which the Muslims gave final
touch in 1952 by compelling the government of the newly born Pakistan to
accept Bengali as one of the state languages of the country four years
later.
Nawab Ali Chowdhury, an eminent educationist, was the first Indian to have
raised the issue of making Bengali the official language of Bengal. In the
year 1911, he said at a 'Provincial Education Conference' in Rangpur that
Bengali was the mother language of the Muslims. "This is our language," he
claimed. None showed so much courage as did Nawab Ali Chowdhury, writes Dr.
Ali Newaj in his book under caption Nawab Ali Chowdhury in 1987. The Nawab
said to the British, "Whatsoever is the official language of India, Bengali
must be the official language of Bengal,"-(Ref: Bangla Rashtrabhashar
Protham Prostabak Nawab Ali Chowdhury by Abu Md. Motahar).
Seven years later, Dr. Muhammad Shahidullah advanced a step forward claiming
Bengali more resourceful than Hindi from the lingua point of view, and urged
all to recognize it as the 'People's language'. At a meeting held at
Calcutta Bishwa Bharati, he opposed Rabindranath Tagore's advocacy for Hindi
as common language of India and said, "It is Bengali having all the
qualities required for becoming the People's language." In 1947, Dr.
Muhammad Shahidullah wrote an article in the Dainik Azad on July 29 under
caption Pakistane Rashtrabhasha Samashya (Language problem in Pakistan) and
strongly pleaded for making Bengali state language of Pakistan. He wrote an
identical article in Taqvir few months later.
It needs to mention that Dainik Azad played an important role for Bengali.
In 1937 on April 23, the daily in its editorial under caption Bharater
Rashtrabhasha viewed that Bengali had all the qualities of becoming state
language of India in view of Hindi-Urdu conflict over lingua status. Abul
Hashem, MLA, Secretary of Bengal Provincial Muslim League drafted a
resolution in 1946 for making Bengali state language of the (proposed)
Pakistan.
The first organization to voice for Bengali was Tamaddun Majlish founded by
principal Abul Kashem on September 1, 1947. History has accepted Tamaddun
Majlish as the originator of the language movement and its President Abul
Kashem as the architect- (Ref: Dainik Janakantha, Feb 5, 2004, Bhasha
Andolon: Etihasher Aloke by M.A.Barnik). Tamaddun issued a booklet under
caption 'State language of Pakistan: Bengali or Urdu?'
Few months earlier on June 24, Abul Mansur Ahmad edited Dainik Millat
categorically wrote that nothing would be more subservient than rejecting
Bengali as the state language of Pakistan.
But sadly the then the civil and the military bureaucrats dominated Muslim
League Government of Pakistan failed to read the pulse of the
Bengali-speaking people. Rather they tried in vain to discover the hands of
India and the communists behind the lingua franca issue (It was a disease of
all the governments of Pakistan to smell the hands of the communists and
India in every issue). But this propaganda could not derail the movement;
instead it began to intensify day by day. Governor General Mohammad Ali
Jinnah while visiting Dhaka in 1948 twice said, "Urdu and Urdu shall be the
state language of Pakistan." It was a dead blow to the hopes and aspirations
to the Bengali people who sacrificed more than their Punjabi, Sindhi,
Baluchi and Pathan combine brethrens for the cause of Pakistan. The Dhaka
University students vehemently protested. It is said Naimuddin was the first
to say 'No'. They started agitation, joined by the mass; ignored curfew and
bullets, and then courageously paraded the city streets. The language
movement, thus, reached its peak on Feb 21, 1952 that claimed the lives of
students and non-students.
We learn from history that the Hindus unlike the Muslims stood against
Bengali and opposed at every step. The Sens who occupied Bengal in the 12th
century branded it as the bird's chirping.
They cautioned that the reading of the Purana, the Mahabharata and the
Ramayana in Bengali language would be treated as a great crime. Dr. Dinesh
Chandra Sen writes in his book 'Bengali language and Literature' that the
Brahmans by hearts opposed Bengali and condemned Krittibus and Kashiram for
translating the Ramayana and the Mahabharata into Bengali. Dr. Dinesh
concluded as saying that Bengali found its fortunes with the advent of the
Muslims in Bengal early 13th century. But the defeat of Nawab Siraj Uddowlah
at Palassey clouded the horizon. The Sanskrit Paundits, claims Philologist
Sir George Griarson, went on replacing the Bengali words with Sanskrit and
succeeded by 90 percent. Halhed condemned the step and called it
Anti-traditional. Dr. Shahidullah was of the opinion had not the Muslims
been defeated at Palassey, Bengali would have been the language of the
people. This correspondent asked a university student three years ago as to
how far did he know about the history of the language movement? He stood
silence for few minutes and gave an erroneous reply. The fault lies with the
university authority, the ministry of education and the candidate's absence
for thirst to know. "We do not want to read history and political science.
Even one who reads to increase knowledge receives derision from fellow
friends. We are more inclined to the books having little literary value,'
said a retired college teacher.
In this backdrop, it implies upon the Ministry of Education to paint the
elaborate history of the evolution of Bengali from the 12th century that the
present and the future generation can prepare them accordingly.
Torpedo
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>> Muslims championed the cause of Bangla
http://www.thedailystar.net/dailystarnews/200304/12/n3041201.htm#BODY8
Daily Star, Dhaka
Saturday, April 12, 2003
ZIA neon sign flashes in Arabic
A huge neon sign in Arabic has been put up in the newly built extension
of Zia International Airport (ZIA).
Presumably announcing the name of the two decades old airport, the neon
sign was installed a month ago in addition to the existing Bangla and
English ones at the airport terminal.
This is the first time that a public installation announces its name in
Arabic.
A top official of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB)
said they introduced Arabic neon sign out of a necessity. He however
would not explain what was the necessity. "If necessary, we may
introduce signage in other languages like French."
"You should be happy to see the signage in Arabic, shouldn't you?" the
top CAAB official quipped.
Another senior CAAB official told The Daily Star that the neon sign was
installed there at the instruction of some top policymakers. "We don't
know what is the need to have this Arabic neon sign."
Air passengers and visitors were surprised and even confused to see it
out there.
"I came from abroad last week and when I looked out from the window of
the aircraft, I was puzzled," said Shahdat Hossain of Kalabagan. "At
first I thought I landed in some Middle Eastern city by mistake! Later
I realised it's Dhaka and they are just trying to change its look."
"I have never seen any public installations with Arabic signage unless
they have anything to do with religion. What is the point of having it
at ZIA?" wondered Shahed Khan of Uttara.
================================================================
Letters to the editor
================================================================
================================================================
Daily Star, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Monday, April 14, 2003
(1) By T Ali, Dhaka
I must commend The Daily Star on bringing up the issue of the Arabic
sign at ZIA airport ("ZIA neon sign flashes in Arabic", April 12). I
was shocked to see that we have started putting Arabic signs on public
buildings. This does not augur well for our secular institutions.
I also saw in the report that this is the first time such a sign has
been put on a public installation and that this took place a month ago.
Wait a minute! The CAAB put up a neon sign in Arabic on top of ZIA
Airport and The Daily Star took one month to report it?
================================================================
(2) By Yossarian, Dhaka
Why on earth does ZIA sport a sign in Arabic? It would have been one
thing if this sign had been there from the beginning but quite another
to put it up now.
At a time when we should be promoting our secular institutions and
trying to bring the fundamentalists in order, flashing Arabic signs
might not be the best idea.
English is the lingua franca, Bengali is our language. What on earth
does Arabic have to do with us?
================================================================
(3) By Shibly Azad, New York City, USA
I really am "shocked and awed" by the Aviation Ministry's decision to
install an Arabic sign at the Zia International Airport.
I believe that the decision is a nonsense act that for obvious reasons,
indicates lack of common sense:
First, does the policy makers really believe that installing an Arabic
sign at the Zia International Airport would provide Bangladesh an
Islamic identity or express an additional dosage of solidarity with the
Muslim Ummah?
Our policy makers might lack common sense, but I am afraid to say, the
rest of the world goes by common sense. Since in order to claim its
Islamic/Muslim heritage, neither Bangladesh does need an Arabic sign,
nor the sign would serve any practical purpose, as other than
diplomatic communities of Arab origin and members of international
organisations, hardly any Arabic speaking people do use Zia
International airport for any purpose, whatsoever.
Second, what the Khaleda Zia government must realize, is the fact that
unless they cannot deliver their electoral promise, despite
Islamic/Muslim usage of symbolism would not save them from public
wrath.
Third, its a shame that a nation, which stands unique for her pride as
the only nation state in South Asia, where the language of the
majority, is declared as the official language of the Republic, would
display sign in another language. For, all international airports use
signs in their official language.
Fourth, to communicate, not only airlines from non-Arab countries, but
also each and every national airlines of the Arabic speaking countries
use English. If that is the case, what is the point of using Arabic?
Lastly, for the incumbent government, it is of great importance to
realise that as the Iraq War has come to an end, they have to steer the
economy through an uphill battle, and unless they can satisfy the
people by their action, despite such hilarious behaviour, they would
face identical fate of the current opposition.
================================================================
(4) By Wasim, Sydney, Australia
Please make an extensive coverage of this Arabic signage. People has a
right to know why suddenly an Arabic sign should appear at the
International Airport!
It seems that The Daily Star was satisfied with the explanation given
to justify that never-before-seen event. Please let the people know who
has authorised such change in Govt policy and why.
And how much was spent to put up that signage? Why should the taxpayer
bear the expenses for such non-sense act?
Please ask the concerned Minister to give a full explanation.
================================================================
(5) By S. Abedin, New York, USA
I was amused to read that the civil aviation authorities in Bangladesh
had decided to put up a neon sign in Arabic at ZIA. Given that, Arabic
is neither the official language nor a widely spoken language in
Bangladesh this decision is certainly amusing. The excuse given to your
esteemed daily by a member of CAAB that, they are trying to use
different languages from around the world at ZIA sounds downright
silly. If they truly wanted to do so then they would have chosen a more
widely spoken language than Arabic. Perhaps French or Spanish.
Our policy makers no doubt wanted to reassert to the public their
Islamic identity. This craven move would have carried a little more
weight had the Government been a little more bold in their condemnation
of a recent invasion of an Islamic country!
================================================================
================================================================
Daily Star, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Wednesday, April 16, 2003
(1) By Wasim, Sydney, Australia
Please make an extensive coverage of this Arabic signage. People have a
right to know why suddenly an Arabic sign should appear at the
International Airport!
It seems that The Daily Star was satisfied with the explanation given
to justify that never-before-seen event. Please let the people know who
has authorised such change in Govt policy and why.
And how much was spent to put up that signage? Why should the taxpayer
bear the expenses for such non-sense act?
Please ask the concerned Minister to give a full explanation.
================================================================
(2) By S. Abedin, New York, USA
I was amused to read that the civil aviation authorities in Bangladesh
had decided to put up a neon sign in Arabic at ZIA. Given that, Arabic
is neither the official language nor a widely spoken language in
Bangladesh this decision is certainly amusing. The excuse given to your
esteemed daily by a member of CAAB that, they are trying to use
different languages from around the world at ZIA sounds downright
silly. If they truly wanted to do so then they would have chosen a more
widely spoken language than Arabic. Perhaps French or Spanish.
Our policy makers no doubt wanted to reassert to the public their
Islamic identity. This craven move would have carried a little more
weight had the Government been a little more bold in their condemnation
of a recent invasion of an Islamic country!
================================================================
(3) By Scherezad Latif, On e-mail
This is in reference to the news item about a new sign in Zia
International Airport that reads in Arabic. I cannot imagine why we
would need a signboard in Arabic to herald in the few tourists who come
to Bangladesh (most of whom let us face it, are not Arabs!)
While very few Arabs come to Bangladesh, the hundreds and thousands of
Bangladeshis who work in the Middle East and other parts of the Arab
speaking world can barely read and write Bangla, let alone Arabic so
really there seems to be no logic behind putting up signs in a foreign
language that has no relevance to Bangladesh. Since when is Arabic one
of our official languages? What's next? Arabic as a third language in
schools? Shouldn't the government spend more time in teaching more than
half of our illiterate citizenry how to read and write the mother
tongue instead of putting up signboards in languages no one
understands?
If we do not protest such unilateral and inexplicable but insidious
moves by a coalition government that let's face it, has been the
biggest disappointment since the last government, we will have to face
events much more serious than a sign board in Arabic.
================================================================
(4) By Monwar Hossain, On e-mail
The story well documented with a photo of ZIA extension came as a
puzzle. I fail to understand the necessity of this unique publicity
stunt. Are we trying to attract tourists from Arab world or what?
We want an explanation of this otherwise senseless action. Is it in
accordance with a government policy or an act of an individual?
Government should clarify its policy on use of foreign language on
public buildings.
================================================================
================================================================
Daily Star, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Saturday, April 19, 2003
(1) By NM, Wisconsin, USA
This is to all the people 'for' the ZIA neon sign in Arabic. Right now,
it's not about whether Arabic is an important language or not. It's not
about whether our constitution says we are an Islamic state or not. Nor
is it about whether Bangladesh is a secular state or not.
What is important, however, is the timing. At a time when the world is
divided over the war in Iraq, I think it is a good idea for Bangladesh
to maintain a low profile, which it has been doing. I don't think we
really want to broadcast anything that makes us appear remotely
fundamentalist. Bangladeshi foreign policy has always been about taking
a neutral, objective standpoint. Now, when we have a new Arabic
signboard at the airport, it is bound to create some controversy, given
the state of current world affairs. It seems as though Bangladesh is
trying to make a statement to the world about world politics.
There's nothing wrong in making statements, true, but this particular
statement is telling people that we are taking a side, and not
remaining neutral. It is not surprising, then, that people would react
the way they have to the sign. If the neon sign had been there for the
last ten years, people wouldn't have said anything. The main problem
is, why now? We can do without the extra publicity on this front.
================================================================
(2) By Rashid Chowdhury, George Mason University, USA
In response to M.A. Bashar's letter (April 16) I ask what does Arabic
being the common language of Muslims have to do with the newly placed
sign at the airport? Bangladesh is a secular country and a
multi-religious society. Our cultural identity and language is Bengali,
regardless of our faiths. Bengali is our mother tongue and English is
the dominant language used in international interaction. Therefore, it
is logical to have signs in Bengali and English throughout Bangladesh.
For the writers who have mentioned a closer relationship with our Arab
brothers as a justification for the Arabic sign, do you know what our
Muslim Arab brothers think of us? They think we are poor and backward
people meant to be their drivers, cooks, and domestic help. Do you
still want a closer brotherhood?
================================================================
================================================================
Daily Star, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Wednesday, April 23, 2003
(1) By A W Khan, Chamelibagh, Dhaka
The ZIA neon signs in Arabic - visible while flying in - compels some
important comments on the pervasive elements in Bangladeshi society.
Firstly, yes, 40 flights from countries that have Arabic as an
"official" language do fly into ZIA every week. But along those lines,
why doesn't the CAAB have the numerous official languages of other
airliners and airways (Singapore and Malaysia?) in neon as well?
Secondly, as Mr "Elanipier" pointed out (April 16) that Bangladesh is
not constitutionally a secular nation, and in fact, an Islamic one;
therefore justifying (in her/his terms) the usage of Arabic. Doesn't
that effectively mean, the CAAB should also use Urdu - most significant
linguistic purveyor of Islam (within the elite) into Bangladesh - as
well? (The same line of argument should negate the "UN as
fundamentalist" raised by her/him). Ignoring (silencing) the more
indigenously interpretations of Islam which do exist in Bangladeshi
society.
================================================================
(2) By Nazmul Karim, Dhaka
So now we have ZIA neon sign flashing in three languages! If the
4-party alliance has still not thought about it, here is an idea to
them. How about introducing a fourth one in Urdu?
================================================================
(3) By A. B. M. Zakaria, Mirpur, Dhaka
I, as a Muslim is surprised as well as shocked to see the bitter and
hostile reactions of some of the Muslim writers expressing their
irritation for displaying the neon sign of ZIA in Arabic. Don't they
have any respect for their religious language?
Every Muslim is supposed to be able to read the Holy Quran well as say
his daily prayers in Arabic. They all learn it in their early
childhood. We revere the language from our heart. Bangladesh itself is
a Muslim country. So the religion Islam has to have a place in our
society and it is an integral part of our daily life. Even at London
Heathrow Airport in terminal 3 departure building there is a chapel. We
also must identify ourselves with the other Muslim countries. A
traveller landing at ZIA will be impressed to see the neon sign in
Arabic what would also be his expectation. For observing and respecting
the religion one cannot be branded as fundamentalist.
So, being a Muslim why should one be so bitter about the exposure of
his own religious fervour? I feel proud and delighted to see the neon
sign flashing in Arabic - the very religious language of mine. I also
at the same time urge the C.A.A.B to illuminate the Airport during the
two great occasions of Eid festival and welcome the passengers. Let us
not be critical of our own religion, the very basis of creation of this
country. Why should The Daily Star allow such uncalled-for controversy
and all just for nothing?
================================================================
(4) By Shukla Mirza, Qatar
This is in reference to those letters complaining about the Arabic neon
sign at Zia airport (April 14, 16).
Apparently these are the people who feel irritated by anything and
everything even remotely related to Islam.
I have a suggestion for them. Change your names to something
non-Arabic, because Arabic sounds too fundamentalist and not suitable
for the 'New World order'.
================================================================
(5) By M. A. Bashar, Dhaka
In response to the letter of Mr. Rashid Choudhury (19 April) I would
like to reply him with the following points:
A) Like English and Bengali, Arabic is also widely spoken and read in
our country. Here the Muslims start their day reciting the holy Quran.
In Bengali language we use Arabic words as much as we use English
words. We say our prayers five times a day in Arabic. In our private,
social and state work Arabic is vastly used.
B) Mr. Choudhury mentioned that Bangladesh is a secular country ---
this is not true. As per the constitution, Bangladesh is not a secular
country. Our state religion is "Islam" and it is a multi - religious
society.
C) May be in some part of the Arabic world our Arab brothers do treat
us somewhat in an inferior manner. But that's not the attitude of the
majority of our Arab brothers.
D) Yes, As a Muslim and an Ummat of prophet (Sm) I always want a closer
brotherhood with the Arabs -- under the guideline given by prophet
Hazrat Mohammad (S.M).
================================================================
================================================================
Daily Star, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Monday, April 28, 2003
By Rahat Bari Tooheen, Dhanmondi, Dhaka
The issue of ZIA International Airport flashing a sign in Arabic has
raised quite an uproar. My question to the authorities concerned is
that, does the Arabic sign serve any purpose? It consumes electricity
in a country where load shedding is a common phenomenon, especially
during the summer. The money that went into this sign could have been
used for some charitable work.
A.B.M Zakaria (April 23) questions the reactions of some of the
writers, asking them whether they respect their religious language. He
wrongly asserts that Bangladesh is a Muslim country, whereas in reality
it is a secular nation. This may not be stated in the Constitution, but
this is the fact. He even states, and I quote, "Why should The Daily
Star allow such uncalled for controversy and all just for nothing?" He
seems to forget that other people will have opinions that differ from
his own.
Shukla Mirza (also April 23) from Qatar displays a very patronising
attitude, and has the gall to suggest that the people who protest the
Arabic sign change their names because in her own words, to those who
protest, "Arabic sounds too fundamentalist and not suitable for the
'New World Order'". I am no expert of international affairs, but to
which 'New World Order' is she referring? Ours is a world in which the
mere difference in religion is used as a justification by some to
instigate violence between fellow human beings, who otherwise could
have lived in peace. Some people use religious differences to promote
their own selfish goals.
People have the freedom to choose whether they will follow religion or
not. Not following religion does not necessarily make someone bad, or
decadent, but just different. As long as we, the people, are not ready
to accept mutual differences of race, religion, caste, creed, etc there
will be no peace.
I do not agree with anything that A.B.M. Zakaria, Shukla Mirza, and
M.A. Bashar (April 23) have said. Mr. Bashar wrongly interprets the
apparent absence of the mention of Bangladesh as a secular country as
statement that Bangladesh is a Muslim country. He forgets that Article
2A of the Constitution states, "but other religions may be practised in
peace and harmony in the Republic". Article 41 guarantees freedom of
religion. I request him to get his facts straight. As for A.B.M Zakaria
and Shukla Mirza, I suggest that they re-evaluate their attitudes. As
long as a person is a good human being, does religion matter?
================================================================
================================================================
Daily Star, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Saturday, May 3, 2003
(1) By Altaf Choudhury, Gulshan, Dhaka
Since the subject is being pursued by so many I would like to join as
well. I do not think that hoisting Arabic sign at ZIA has in any way
hurt our people. Islamic culture is international as it goes very much
with the language and teaching of Quran, Arabic, which all Muslims are
to learn, to read and also supposed to understand.
We Bengalis are highly emotional having lived in an agro-based economy
for and are most of the time not pragmatic. There was a proposal in
mid-80s to introduce Arabic as a third language but a group objected to
it and was foiled. In todays world we need to know the international
language English for depth in education, science and technology not to
speak of diplomacy in international arena. In India a person has to
learn three languages, his mother tongue, Hindi as national language
and English as working language. We had a strong base in English
likewise in India and Pakistan and our ancestors were better versed
both in English and Bengali and were also better educated. They learnt
Bengali and English and a third language either Arabic, Persian or
Sanskrit.
Downgrading English after liberation was an emotionally stupid mistake.
If people in India and Pakistan or even in Europe can learn three
languages what was and is wrong for us to do so?
If Arabic was introduced in mid 80s as was proposed, a lot more of our
people could have gotten employed in the Arabic speaking Middle Eastern
countries who accepts us more willingly than by the non-Muslim
countries of the west. Hoisting Arabic sign or learning Arabic is in no
way a matter of public concern. Let us become pragmatic.
================================================================
(2) By Monoroma, Toronto, Canada
I am happy to see that the Zia International Airport displays its name
in Arabic along with English and Bangla. It highlights the intellectual
character and capacity of the Bangladeshis. I wouldn't mind seeing Zia
signboard in more languages, like French, Russian, Chinese, Japanese,
Hindi and so on. After all we are not like those dumb people who covet
to colonise the whole world but can't even pronounce a foreign word
correctly.
By the way, why some 'Muslims' are trying to distance themselves from
the Arabs or Islam? After all we are the members of a global village.
================================================================
(3) By Zahidul Islam Khan, Stockholm, Sweden
This is in response to ZH (April 28). I almost completely agree with
his views. You have requested to do serious home works to tell
something in favour or against Islam. Well, this is a very good
suggestion. But what is the topic? I have read all the letters on this
topic. No one said anything against Islam. It is not a case of debating
philosophy of Islam. It is a matter of the attitude of the authority
and the current government behind the addition of Arabic signage in
ZIA. This is very much intentional and symbolic for what they want to
project. What does an Arabic signage do for Islam? Nothing, Islam is
not such a silly thing to be affected by a neon sign. But this Arabic
neon sign represents our mentality towards the world. And what it
represents is not good for us and for our future generation. I think
the focus should be here.
================================================================
================================================================
Torpedo
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/1929370.stm
Sunday, 14 April, 2002, 15:59 GMT 16:59 UK
Denmark withholds Bangladesh aid
By Alastair Lawson
BBC correspondent in Dhaka
The Danish Government has publicly accused the Bangladeshi shipping minister
of being corrupt.
It has withdrawn $45m in aid from the Bangladeshi shipping sector, accusing
the minister, Akbar Hossain, of behaving dishonestly in his ministry's
attempts to offer a tender for the repair of four ferries.
The decision by the Danish Government to withdraw the aid is highly
embarrassing for the Bangladeshi Government and the shipping minister.
The four party coalition of Prime Minister Khaleda Zia came to power last
year, pledging to reduce corruption.
But the Danes have, in an unprecedented step, personally accused the
shipping minister of behaving dishonestly.
They say that the corruption took place at a high level in his ministry, and
relates to kickbacks for the repair of four ferries provided to Bangladesh
by Denmark.
Accusations denied
A spokesman for the Danish foreign ministry said the dishonest behaviour of
Mr Hossain would be reported to the Bangladeshi prime minister.
Sheikh Hasina
Several politicians have been accused of corruption
He said that Denmark had an obligation to its taxpayers to ensure that money
was properly spent in Bangladesh, and that other Danish funding in the
country might also be withdrawn.
The Danes have also taken the unusual step of publicly criticising the
Bangladeshi Government, accusing it of failing to take any serious
initiatives to tackle corruption during the first six months in office.
But Mr Hossain has strenuously denied the accusations.
He said it was the Danes who were at fault, because they had insisted that
the tender process for the repair of the boats should not be open and
transparent.
He urged both countries to settle their differences, which, he said, were
the result of a misunderstanding.
Mr Hossain is due to hold a press conference on Monday, in which he will
further defend himself against the Danish allegations.
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