World Leaders Extended Support To The Government: PM To Gulf News

"Boycott of some parties did not affect the last elections.... many feared that the chaotic situation created by some opposition parties before the election would continue afterwards. But that did not happen as people do not like recurrence of such violence and anarchy," she said.

The Prime Minister made the remarks in an interview with Gulf News, published on Sunday, during her three-day official visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad Speaker had been elected executive chairperson of the prestigious Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and one of parliament members was elected as President of Inter-parliamentary Union (IPU) recently.

"This is the testimony of world support and confidence for our government and parliament," she said.

About the scrapping of the caretaker government system, Sheikh Hasina said the system has been declared unconstitutional by the highest court of the country.

"Interestingly, the system was challenged in the highest court by a citizen during the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) regime. Everybody would have to abide by the order of the highest court," she said.

Responding to a question about relations with India, the Prime Minister said Bangladesh always has wonderful relations with India irrespective of the ruling party in New Delhi.

"It is natural to have some problems between neighbours. But my policy has been to have bilateral talks without any mediator, which has solved many problems including disputes on Ganges water sharing and border demarcation," she said.

"I had a cordial meeting with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New York recently and relations are excellent," she added.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh and India have opened 'border huts' - local markets in border areas- for people [from both countries] living in those areas. The joint commission for water is discussing water sharing of 54 rivers flowing from India and we are confident of signing Teesta water accord with them, she said.

On a question whether she is confident about signing the Teesta accord despite opposition from West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, she said: "I don't know (Laughing). I don't want to make any comment. We know what she did. Indian central government is very cooperative and so also other politicians. She did not cooperate. But I am sure she will realise and cooperate one day," she said.

While touching on cooperation between South Asian nations, the Prime Minister said the current political situation in the region offers better prospects for cooperation, connectivity and trade.

"Although a European Union like system may not be possible for South Asia, the current political situation in the region offers better prospects for cooperation, connectivity and trade," she said.

"If leaders of South Asian countries remain united in their core objectives - eradicating poverty, providing food, shelter, health care, sanitation, education, employment and empowerment of the people - no internal and external forces can harm us," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said she wants peace not only in Bangladesh, but also neighbouring countries, which is essential for progress. "That's why we will not allow our soil to be used for any destructive activities against anybody."

She noted that economic cooperation and connectivity are the most important things for South Asia.. "[I found the same feeling] when I visited India, Myanmar and China too. China and Afghanistan being the observers in SAARC [South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation] is a good development."

The Prime Minister said now they can take political decisions quickly as major SAARC nations have democratically elected governments. "There is a proposal for Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Bhutan to produce and share electricity and improve connectivity by road and rail. India has almost agreed to this proposal [which is crucial]."

Talking about the materialization of an idea of setting up a Bangladesh, China, India, Myanmar (BCIM) economic corridor, Sheikh Hasina said she had fruitful discussions with Chinese leaders on the issue during her recent visit to Beijing.

"The strategic location of Bangladesh between the ASEAN [Association of South East Asian Nations] and SAARC holds huge potential for itself and for the two economic blocs. So, we are taking steps to increase connectivity through rail, road and air. We are implementing rail and road linking projects to connect with Myanmar," she said.

The Prime Minister said Bangladesh also wants to expand the relationship with the Gulf in trade, tourism, investment and strategic partnership for economic development.

About the development of textile industry and addressing the issue of child labour across the country, Sheikh Hasina said so far, the government inspected 2,061 out of 3,500 export oriented factories and only 29 (1.45 per cent) factories were shut down for failing to comply with regulations.

She said the government has been actively engaging with International Labour Organisation, development partners, exporters, buyers and workers associations in taking all possible measures.

"The actions include legal and institutional reforms, administrative actions, launching specific programmes, assessment of fire electrical and building safety, follow-up and monitoring," she said, adding this has improved occupational safety and workers' rights situation, she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the government has created 993 posts of factory inspectors and already appointed 200 inspectors. "Besides, minimum wage of the garment workers has been raised by 77 per cent to BDT 5,300 from BDT 3,100," she said.

-Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS)

Photo: Yeasin Kabir Joy