Info advisor says, 'Sheikh Hasina won't let us stay in peace'

Prime Minister's Information and Broadcasting Advisor Zahed Ur Rahman believes that Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted from power in the mass uprising, will continue trying in various ways to put the government in trouble. He also said the government is alert to thwart this.

Zahed Ur Rahman spoke on the matter at a regular press briefing at the Secretariat in Dhaka on Tuesday, amid discussions about the garment workers' movement demanding higher wages and allegations of Awami League instigation behind it.

Referring to an earlier statement by Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, he said, "On the first day of parliament in 1991, she had said she would not let the government stay in peace even for a day.

"She was less of a monster then than she is now. And, now she will not let us stay in peace — we believe she won't allow that. She will try. We will resist it."

The Prime Minister's advisor said the government is active in bringing back Sheikh Hasina, who has been sentenced to death for crimes against humanity.

He said, "We want to bring her back. We want to bring her back through discussions with India. We will do whatever is needed for that process."

However, Zahed Ur Rahman does not think the ongoing garment workers' protests are related to creating a path for Sheikh Hasina's announced return from India in December.

He said, "I personally do not think there is any connection with December in this. We do not believe the Awami League as a political party will be able to do anything in Bangladesh. But that does not mean we think this is being done to create a path for her return in December."

However, the Prime Minister's advisor thinks the Awami League may attempt sabotage.

"They have plenty of looted money. They may try to create sabotage. This could be linked to what the Home Minister has said."

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has already said that the Awami League is behind the garment workers' movement.

Referring to the formation of a wage board for garment workers, Zahed Ur Rahman said he thinks "genuine" workers will now withdraw from the streets.

"At first, some genuine workers came out. But someone from within them is trying to create sabotage. Since the wage board has been formed, the genuine workers will respect the government's steps and withdraw from the movement."