British Airways refuses to issue boarding pass to Hasina

Dhaka, Apr 22 (UNI) Former Bangladesh Prime Minister and Awami League (AL) president Sheikh Hasina could not fly from London to Dhaka as the British Airways declined to issue her boarding pass in compliance with advice of the country's military-backed caretaker Government, which has put embargo on her return home.

She came to Heathrow Airport this afternoon with her confirmed ticket to avail of her scheduled flight to Dhaka. But the British Airways authorities expressed their inability to issue the boarding pass, saying that they cannot take her to Dhaka because of "Bangladesh government's advice", according to a report received here from London.

The British Airways would issue a statement later in the day explaining the matter.

Embroiled Hasina went back from the airport to her sister's house in London, expressing her resolve to carry on her move to return to Bangladesh.

Acting Awami League president and former Minister Zillur Rahman termed unfortunate the government decision blocking Hasina, daughter of the founding leader of Bangladesh Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, to return to her homeland. In a press statement, Rahman urged the interim government to withdraw the travel restriction to ensure the rule of law and human rights.

Hasina arrived in London last Thursday from Washington on her way back home. But the Home Ministry, in the meantime, imposed restrictions on her return apprehending that if she came back, she would make 'provocative statements that could cause political instability and disruption to economic activities'.

The government cautioned all airports and land-ports as well as airlines operating to Dhaka to take note of the measure, seen as part of a political purge in the country in the interim period.

Meanwhile, a Dhaka court today issued arrest warrant against Sheikh Hasina, jailed AL leader and ex-minister Mohammad Nasim and another party-man in the Paltan killing case.

UNI