Hasina says she is always dismissive of arch-rival Khaleda's words

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said she does not take seriously what BNP chief Khaleda Zia says, dismissing her arch political rival's words as insignificant.

Senior Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 15 Nov 2017, 04:21 PM
Updated : 15 Nov 2017, 04:21 PM

"They don't have human qualities. I don't take her words seriously. There is nothing to take seriously," she told parliament on Wednesday in response to Khaleda's recent speech on Rohingya issue.

The BNP chief during her recent visit to refugee camps in Cox's Bazar accused the government of failure in dealing with the Rohingya crisis.

The prime minister's reaction came after Fazilatun Nasa Bappy, an MP from women's reserve seats, drew PM's attention to the issue in a supplementary question in the House.

"There is a saying - a madman, what does he not say, and a goat, what does he not eat. If someone feigns blindness, who can show her something," the prime minister said adding "there is nothing to prove to them".

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia addresses the party rally at Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka. Photo: dipu malakar

Hasina said Khaleda's visit was just a show-off. "It is not clear why she went there. The paraphernalia involving her visit suggested it was a kind of a bridal party." 

"It was a kind of a showdown, show-off of vehicles. They don't have the intention of providing humanitarian support."

The prime minister accused Khaleda's late husband Ziaur Rahman of creating the Rohingya crisis.

"They created the problem. Her husband created it. So, the policy of BNP-Jamaat is fishing in muddy waters," she said.

Tarikat Federation Chairman Syed Nazibul Bashar Maizbhandary asked the prime minister whether action would be taken against those who are investigating and questioning the government's initiative in tackling the Rohingya issue.

He also said that the family members of hanged war criminal Salauddin Quader Chowdhury with the help of Pakistan intelligence agency ISI were instigating trouble in the area.

The prime minister responded, "There are some instigators, there is no doubt about it. But we are aware of the situation. We are trying to find out those who are doing this."

"We believe in peace; we want to maintain good relations with the neighbours, and we will not allow any terrorist organisation to use our land."