Dhaka, May 9 -- As India and Pakistan teeter on the brink of war, top government functionaries in Bangladesh must tread carefully in diplomatic relations-or risk being pulled into the crossfire, warns Ambassador Munshi Faiz Ahmad.

Reflecting on the recent incidents of people being pushed into Bangladesh along the border, he said: "Statements from our side, as well as from theirs, have been varied and potentially provocative. These push-in incidents could lead us into diplomatic traps at any moment, further deteriorating relations."

The veteran diplomat emphasised that no country can replace another in international diplomacy.

"Attempting to improve ties with Pakistan does not mean antagonising India," Munshi Faiz said.

"Assuming that ...