Anandabazar apologises for using ‘khairati’ in news on China-Bangladesh relation

Indian daily Anandabazar Patrika today sought unconditional apology for using the word "khairati" in a recent news that described how China is attracting Bangladesh after the Indo-China clashes in Ladakh.

Many readers, after publication of the news on June 20, complained that they were hurt by the word which refers to "charity". It also created uproar in social media.

"We are sorry and seek unconditional apology for this unintentional error," said the widely read newspaper published from Kolkata.

The report said that it is nothing new that China has been trying to attract Bangladesh, a close ally of India. However, after the clashes in Ladakh valley that left at least 20 Indian soldiers dead and dozens injured, China has started afresh its efforts to draw Bangladesh to its side.

It mentioned the duty free access of 97 percent Bangladeshi products to China. China has provided the facility considering Bangladesh as one of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) under the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement.

Earlier, Bangladesh got duty-free access for 3,095 products that has now increased to 8,256.

The Anandabazar Patrika report says India does not have warm relations with any of the South Asian countries, except for Bangladesh. Quoting unnamed diplomats, it said China's hand has been behind such a situation.

Wooing Bangladesh, Beijing is trying to isolate India, it says.