The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Davos

Former US Secretary of State Henry A Kissinger, whose bitter remarks about independent Bangladesh had triggered row in politics, diplomacy and press, now prefers making no comment on the future of the country.

Kissinger was against independence of Bangladesh in 1971 and termed the newborn nation a 'case of bottomless basket' during his visit to Dhaka in 1974.

After long 37 years he would only flash enigmatic smile in his broad face when asked what does he think about the future of Bangladesh?

When approached at the World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting at Congress Center, Kissinger said it was a moment in 1971 but now I won't make any comment.

"I've talked much about Bangladesh," he told Bangladeshi reporters covering the WEF meeting.

In 1998, Kissinger handed over Felix Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize to former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Paris.

Sheikh Hasina and George J Mitchell, an American Senator, jointly received the UNESCO peace prize.

"I don't have any comment now," said Kissinger, one of the co-chairs of the WEF meeting.