Hasina-Khaleda restriction withdrawn

Dhaka, Apr 25 (UNI) The Bangladesh government today withdrew restriction on Awami League president Sheikh Hasina's return to Bangladesh and free movement of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia.

In a notification the government said there is no restriction imposed on movement of former Prime Minister and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia from the government's side.

''Never ever was any pressure exerted or still exerted by the government side on Begum Khaleda Zia about her foreign tour or for leaving the country,'' said a press note issued by the Home Ministry.

It said, ''There are no restrictions on her movement either.'' It refuted ''hypothetical'' reports on local and foreign media about such measures against the BNP chairperson.

In a separate notification by the Home Ministry, the government withdrew the restrictions on Awami League president Sheikh Hasina's return to Bangladesh.

The note said the government had issued a press note on April 18 following apprehensions aroused by recent statements and activities of the Awami League president, now in London, concerning her ''personal security''.

The step was taken ''in public interest and as a special cautionary measure''.

''It was clearly stated in this (previous) note, issued by the Home Ministry, that the step was temporary,'' said today's note.

''In view of reports on the media and opinions of different quarters, government has decided to withdraw the previous step,'' it added.

UNI