DHAKA, March 17: The Pakistanis stranded in Bangladesh have threatened self-immolation on March 23, if the Bangladesh government fails to initiate a ‘tripartite meeting’ by March 22 to sreolve their long-standing problems.

The stranded Pakistanis, who have been languishing in various camps in Bangladesh since 1971, are demanding repatriation to Pakistan or permanent settlement in Bangladesh.

By tripartite meeting, Mahmud Alam Khan, joint secretary of the Stranded Pakistanis General Repatriation Committee, means a meeting between the governments of Bangladesh, Pakistan and representatives of the SPGRC.

Mr Khan said Bangladesh government would have to take the initiative to hold the meeting before March 23.

The SPGRC has been observing token hunger strikes at its different branch offices in the city to press for their demands.