Staff Reporter :
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has firmly reassured the nation that the decision to grant rail transit to India will not harm Bangladesh’s sovereignty or national interests.
She said that at a press conference, addressing the concerns and criticisms that have surfaced following her recent visit to India.
Hasina stated unequivocally, “No matter how small, this is our sovereign country. We are working to maintain our sovereignty and individuality while fostering friendly relations.”
She questioned the logic behind the opposition to allowing India to transport goods via Bangladeshi railways, asking, “What harm is there in giving transit to one country through another?” Drawing a comparison to Europe, she argued that the lack of borders there does not mean one country has sold itself to another, and she questioned why South Asia should lag behind in enhancing regional connectivity.
The Prime Minister emphasised that improving rail connectivity with India is intended to benefit the Bangladeshi people.
“We are gradually reopening the rail links with India that had been closed for so long. This is making our trade and commerce easier,” she explained.
“By opening all these communication routes, it is our people who will benefit the most.” Hasina highlighted the practical advantages of increased connectivity, including better access to medical treatment, education, and shopping, which would in turn boost trade and commerce.
Addressing accusations of compromising national interests for political gains, Hasina declared, “I always protect the interests of the country. Sheikh Hasina does not sell this country, as we have liberated it.” She criticised those who question her patriotism, suggesting that they have metaphorically sold their own minds to India.
During her recent trip to India, Prime Minister Hasina signed 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), including one for rail transit. If implemented, this agreement would allow India to transport goods directly from one part of the country to another through Bangladeshi territory.
Regarding the ongoing Teesta water-sharing issue, Hasina clarified that no final decision has been made on whether the project will proceed with the assistance of India or China.
“China has conducted a feasibility study, and India will do one as well. We will choose the option that is most acceptable and beneficial to us,” she said.
However, she noted that since India is already involved in water distribution and has shown interest in the project, it might be more advantageous to collaborate with them.
Responding to a letter from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concerning the Teesta and Ganges water-sharing agreements, Hasina remarked that it is an “internal matter of India.”
She assured that even if the Ganges water-sharing agreement is not renewed, it will continue to be upheld.
Professor Yunus Issue
During the press conference, a question about Nobel laureate economist Professor Muhammad Yunus arose. Referring to a foreign media report, a journalist asked whether the government had taken a stance against Yunus.
“We or our government have not taken any action against Dr. Yunus,” Prime Minister Hasina replied, adding that she has no personal animosity towards him. “I have no conflict with anyone, and I have no aspirations for a Nobel Prize. I don’t have the money or resources to maintain a lobbyist for that.”
Addressing banking sector challenges
Prime Minister Hasina also touched on the issues plaguing Bangladesh’s banking sector, assuring that efforts are underway to resolve them.
“The state has the responsibility to safeguard the deposits of those who place them, and that is what we are trying to do,” she said. Acknowledging that some individuals have amassed wealth and moved it abroad, she questioned the logic behind such actions.
“What is the benefit of accumulating so much wealth if you can’t stay in the country? What’s the point of making so much money if you can’t even live here?”
Despite these challenges, she affirmed that the government is working to address the problems. “Wherever there are problems, we are trying to solve them. We have enacted laws and included provisions in this year’s budget,” Hasina concluded.