CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Hasina Says She Will Return to Bangladesh to Stand With People
Former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina has said that her purpose in returning to her country is not to gain power, but to stand with her people. In her first telephonic interview to Indian media, Hasina said she wants to return to Bangladesh on her own by December.
Hasina also questioned Bangladesh government efforts to link her extradition to a possible New Delhi visit by Prime Minister Tariq Rahman. She said it was not appropriate to describe statements she made while in India as a problem for relations between the two countries.
The former prime minister also raised the issue of alleged action against Awami League leaders and workers in Bangladesh. She claimed that party leaders and workers were being targeted and that their homes were being attacked. These are Hasina’s allegations, on which the Bangladesh government may have a different position.
Hasina also expressed concern over Bangladesh’s current economic and energy situation. Claiming that power generation had increased during her tenure, she said that problems such as shortages of electricity and gas, a fertiliser crisis and inflation were now affecting people.
She also questioned Bangladesh’s growing defence cooperation with China. Referring in particular to a possible plan to buy Chinese fighter jets, she said it was natural for questions to be raised about such defence spending amid economic challenges.
According to Sheikh Hasina, rising extremist activities and weakened institutions in Bangladesh are a matter of concern for the entire region. Supporting concerns expressed by her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy about Bangladesh’s future, she described them as a serious warning.
Sheikh Hasina’s wish to return has come at a time when relations between the two countries remain strained over her stay in India and the Bangladesh government’s demand for her extradition.
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