Hasina debarred from leaving country

Dhaka, June 15 (UNI) Bangladesh's army-backed government tonight prevented former Prime Minister and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina from leaving the country for US tonight to see her daughter.

Her daughter Saima Wajed Putul, now in Florida, is expecting a baby early next month.

The police asked immigration officials not to allow her boarding an emirate flight at Zia International Airport on the plea that investigation into extortion cases against her would be hampered if she leaves.

Awami League Industry and Commerce secretary Lt Col (Retd) Farooq Khan alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was debarred by the government from leaving the country.

He said the government was informed of her schedule visit and she was prepared to leave the country tonight but police protocol and security was not sent to escort her to the airport.

Khan alleged that the immigration at the airport was instructed by the government not to allow her boarding the plane. Twelve platoon additional police raised three-layer security walls in front of her house.

She was debarred from leaving the country, Khan said.

Earlier, Hasina told reporters Friday afternoon at her heavily guarded residence that all these cases are false and fabricated. She alleged the military backed government is conspiring to keep her away from politics and future election.

Hasina who ruled the country for five years since 1996 had faced a similar government ban on her return to Dhaka from Washington in April last but the ban was lifted under seemingly international pressure.

She questioned why this restriction and why she will not be allowed to see her ailing daughter. She said she did not receive any notice from the government about the cases.

With tears rolling down her cheek, Hasina urged the world motherhood to see why she will not be allowed to attend her expecting daughter.

Witnesses said hundreds of riot police and intelligent agents were posted blocking the road to Hasina's residence.

UNI