Bangla PM Hasina takes time off from politics

Dhaka, Mar 14: A ban on political activity has prompted formerBangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to take a sabbatical and visither children in the United States, aides today said.

''She is leaving tomorrow (March 15) for the US and will be therefor about a month with her son and daughter who live therepermanently,'' Hasina's press secretary today said.

Hasina said earlier she intended spending her time reading and writing.

Bangladesh has been under a state of emergency since January. 11when the interim government indefinitely suspended a planned electionin the wake of widespread political violence.

Hasina and her chief rival Begum Khaleda Zia, are expected to be frontrunners when the vote is eventually held.

Reuters>