BANGLADESH

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina again pointed the finger at the BNP on Saturday for conspiring the military coup and said that analysis of their statements and speeches make many things clear.

"If you have anything to say, come to parliament. There will be no more usurping power in Bangladesh by taking shortcuts, God willing," she said, addressing the opposition leader Khaleda Zia at a discussion in Ganabhaban.

On Thursday, Bangladesh army said in a media briefing that it foiled a plot by some hardline officers who were plotting to disrupt the democracy with the assistance of some non-resident Bangladeshis.

Thanking the military for frustrating the attempt to overthrow her elected government, Hasina said, "As a result, they and the country both have been saved."

Apparently referring to BNP chairperson Khaleda's remarks at a Chittagong rally on Jan 9 that 'even army personnel are being abducted', army spokesman, brigadier general Muhammad Masud Razzaq had said on Thursday, "Even a large political party sang along imaginary, misleading and propagandist news to bring allegations, which created unexpected and provocative debate among the army and conscious citizens."

"An analysis of their [opposition party] speeches and statements will make a lot of things to the people," Hasina pointed out, reiterating her stance that the main opposition is conspiring against the government.

The prime minister added that those who have come to power in the past using the military have harmed the armed forces through the coups and murders that they carried out.

The discussion organised to bring together Noakhali district Awami League and associate organisations was also attended by executive council members of the ruling party and leaders of all units in the district.