PM's India tour aimed at lobbying: BNP

BNP alleged on Sunday that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina went to India on a visit only for its 'lobbying' to return to power further with Delhi’s blessings, reports UNB.

"As per media reports, it's clear Sheikh Hasina didn't go to India to protect the country's interests to realise the fair share of Teesta water and stop the killing of Bangladeshis along the border," said BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Speaking at a press conference at the party's Nayapaltan central office, he further said, "She (Hasina) had been there for lobbying and negotiations to stay in power."

The BNP leader said the Prime Minister went to her 'superiors' in India for their blessings instead of reaching out to people here to keep her in power. "She did it as she could realise that people are ready to give a befitting reply to her autocratic rule and ensure her fall."

Sheikh Hasina returned home on Saturday night, wrapping up her two-day official visit to West Bengal, India.

During her stay in West Bengal, the Prime Minister together with Narendra Modi inaugurated 'Bangladesh Bhaban' at Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan and held a meeting with Modi at Bangladesh Bhaban.

Rizvi said the Prime Minister considered India as her the last resort and went there to convince the country to hold another unilateral election to cling to power. "I would like to clearly say there is no use of lobbying with your superiors as people are the source of power."

He criticised the Prime Minister for what he said her failure to sign the Teesta water-sharing deal and persuade India to take a position in Bangladesh's favour on the Rohingya issue.

The BNP leader said the government is killing huge people in crossfire in the name of an anti-narcotics drive while the ruling party men are ruining the country's economy through widespread plundering, corruption and extortion.

He said the government has sent their chairperson Khaleda Zia to jail in a 'false' case only to keep her away from the next polls.

Rizvi alleged that people now consider Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda as an 'enemy of fair polls' as he has been working only to protect Awami League's interests. "He's not capable of holding a fair election since he's loyal to Awami League."