Bangladesh govt bans Hasina's return from US

Dhaka, Apr 18 (UNI) The Bangladesh military-backed government has imposed a ban on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's return to the politically unstable country from the US in apprehension of jeopardising law and order, stability, public security and economic life.

Hasina, President of Awami League, was scheduled to return to the south Asian impoverished nation on April 23, ending her more than a month-long private visit to the US.

The ban on her came within days of local newspaper reports that immediate past Prime Minister and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia would go in exile in Saudi Arabia by April 22.

A press note issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs today said all immigration departments at air and land ports, all flight operating authorities to Bangladesh and all other auhorities concerned have been apprised of taking the necessary action in this respect.

The note said the Foreign Ministry, Civil Aviation Authority and the Inspector General of Police were requested to take necessary measures to stop Hasina's return home.

Explaining the government's decision, the note said the government learnt from reliable sources that Hasina might return home from America on April 23.

It said recently under Hasina's leadership Awami League and different political parties resorted to ''irresponsible non-stop movement and activities that battered public discipline and put security and economic life at stake''. Consequently, a state of emergency was promulgated in the country.

The note said while staying abroad Hasina addressed different meetings and rallies and gave interviews to national and international media and issued 'provocative and divisive statements against the present caretaker government and law enforcement agencies'.

Under the circumstances, the note said if Hasina returned home this time, she might make provocative remarks like the past and create hatred and confusion through her activities against the public discipline.

As a result, the note said law and order might deteriorate besides leaving public safety and economic life jeopardised.

The release mentioned that Hasina herself is concerned about her personal security and requested the government for special security measures.

For these reasons, the note said the government has taken special cautionary measures about Hasina's return home at this time in the public interest.

''This measure is temporary,'' said the note.

No immediate comments from Hasina or her party on the government ban were available.

UNI