However, Mr. Oneil, I'm sorry to say that you don't have a case for the Bangladeshi people. The main reason why Bangladesh does not recognise Israel is because Israel is considered an illegitimate state created by occupying other people's land, expelling them from their homes and making them refugees. The issue of religion is not as important here as the fact that if a rich and powerful nation takes over our country Bangladesh and

expels us from our homes to make us refugees, we will be as helpless as the Palestinians.

In your last two emails you mentioned the fact that Israel has a lot of technology. It's true, but most of its technology has been supplied and financed by America and the European countries. These countries have also provided Israel with nuclear weapons technology, which they are now trying to stop Iran from acquiring.

In your last message, you have mentioned Pakistan taking steps for recognising Israel, despite opposition from the people. This is also true about the other few Muslims countries who have recognised Israel. But, Bangladesh is a democratic country and here peoples' opinion matters. The reason why President General Musharraf has been thinking of recognising Israel is the tactics adopted by lawmakers in Washington, who because of strong lobbying and partnership between Israeli and Indian lobbies have been blocking weapons sales to Pakistan.

In my opinion, for most Bangladeshis to accept Israel, Israel has to solve their problem with the Palestinians first. This doesn't mean Jews have to leave the land altogether. There must be a fair and amicable settlement between Israel and Palestinians. Palestinians who have been kicked out of their homes must be allowed to return.