Predictably, Sheikh Hasina is defending the agreements she signed in India as steps in the right direction toward solving the manifold political economic problems that plague Bangladesh. This is because, predictably, the BNP is claiming that the agreements signed so far amount to cheap talk and that Sheikh Hasina has failed to protect Bangladesh’s national interest.
The Daily Star reports that at a press conference Sheikh Hasina claimed that the opposition BNP is interested only in spreading falsehood and antagonizing their border neighbor India. She further claimed that though she was interested in looking beyond partisan politics the BNP “have become habituated to spreading falsehood and propaganda.”
Hasina reassured her supporters and notable commentators that she would never pursue policy dialogue that might threaten Bangladesh’s national interest.
She claimed:
“During my visit, I demanded fair share of water of all 54 common rivers. I never shy away from speaking for my country and people. But when she [Khaleda Zia] visited India during her rule, she forgot to talk about our rightful share of river water,”
Looking beyond immediate concerns, Sheikh Hasina claimed that partly due to her effort Bangladesh will soon become one of the most stable South Asian countries. She argued that peace and stability would emerge as economic growth cuts into Bangladesh’s deeply rooted troubles. Moreover, she claimed as this government’s socio-economic program works into people’s lives, the world will take note of Bangladesh’s accomplishments.
Her claims are less than an arms length away from the truth.