BANGLADESH

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina has ruled out a dialogue with her arch political rival Khaleda Zia.

She thinks that the people of the country will not support BNP which Khaleda heads.

Hasina claimed the main opposition will never succeed in its agitation to unseat her government. "The people of the country will not stand up for corrupt people. So, they (BNP) won't be able to impede the country's development and progress."

She urged the opposition to not make the people suffer in the name of protest.

About the reason behind her refusal to sit with Khaleda, she said, "The BNP leader has only one demand now — release of her corrupt sons. Also, [she wants] a stop to war crimes trial and withdrawal of cases of corruption and laundering money abroad. The purpose of their protests is identical."

"So, I don't think there discussions with them will do any good."

The prime minister was speaking to the press at the permanent mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations in New York on Saturday.

'EVERYONE WILL JOIN ELECTIONS'

Hasina recalled the series of incidents that had taken place after the Jan 11, 2007 changeover.

"People's constitutional right was restored after many struggles once again this time. Everyone will have to be alert so that none will be able to take away the right in future," she said.

In reply to a question about Khaleda's remark that BNP will not join any election without caretaker government overseeing it, she said, "Election will be held in the country when the time comes and every party will take part in the election."

"The Election Commission is working independently. The government never interferes with the commission's work. The party that will get people's vote will come to power," Hasina said.

The caretaker government system was cancelled by the 15th Amendment to the constitution passed in parliament on June 30 following a Supreme Court verdict.

BNP has been protesting the move and saying that it will not participate in any election without caretaker government.

Hasina said the government had taken a policy of zero-tolerance towards militancy and added, "BNP-Jamaat alliance government had turned Bangladesh into a terrorist country."

US first lady Michelle Obama wanted to know about Bangladesh and expressed her eagerness to visit the country during the dinner she hosted, Hasina said.

She also said she was trying to relaunch Bangladesh Biman's Dhaka-New York flight.

MORE ACTIVE UN

The prime minister said, "The UN's job is not limited to establishing peace now. We want to see the UN as a more active organisation."

She said she thought peace would be established if the 'peace-centric development model' she presented at the UN General Assembly was implemented.

TEESTA DEAL

About Bangladesh-India relations, Hasina said, "Friendly relationship between the countries remains unchanged. Discussions to share water of 54 common rivers are on-oing."

"It needs time to decide which country will get how much water [of the Teesta river]. We are discussing whether an interim deal can be signed."