Bangla govt lifts ban on ex-PM Sheikh Hasina

Dhaka, Apr 26: Bangladesh's feuding political parties proclaimed a ''people's victory'' today after the army-backed interim government lifted a ban on former prime minister Sheikh Hasina returning home.

They also expressed relief after the government also confirmed yesterday it had not imposed restrictions on the movements of Begum Khaleda Zia, the most recent prime minister, or pressed her to go into exile.

''It's a people's victory,'' said Hannan Shah, a senior leader of Khaleda's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Local media said Khaleda Zia had been under virtual house arrest.

The army-backed caretaker government issued an order last week barring Hasina from returning to Bangladesh after her holiday in the United States. She was prevented from boarding a plane in London on Sunday. But she is now expected back in Bangladesh soon.

Abdul Jalil, general secretary of Hasina's Awami League, said: ''lt has been reasserted that people's democratic and fundamental rights cannot be robbed.'' Hasina still faces a charge of aiding and abetting the killing of several people during a violent political protest in October.

It was not known what prompted the caretaker government to climb down, but its handling of the two lady leaders had been heavily criticised at home and abroad.

''The decision came from the very high quarters,'' said government adviser for law and information Mainul Husein. He did not elaborate.

Ordinary Bangladeshis said they were surprised by the government's sudden U-turn over the two rival leaders, whom it apparently wanted out of the country while conducting a crackdown on corruption to prepare for a free and fair election.

''Better late than never,'' said Safiqul Islam, a teacher at a private school. ''They triggered national anger by using heavy hands against the top leaders of the two biggest political parties,'' he said.

''People could not really understand why the government should try to keep the two leaders out of the country while they were ready to face charges of any wrongdoing at home,'' said Akram Hossain, a Dhaka businessman.

While the caretaker government's moves against the two former leaders were heavily criticised, they did not prompt people to pour into the streets in protest.

A long-standing feud between the two women spilled over into deadly street protests that caused the caretaker government to cancel scheduled elections in January and declare a state of emergency. All political activity has been banned.

Security forces have since detained more than 160 key political figures, including Khaleda's elder son and political heir-apparent Tareque Rahman.

Reuters

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