China visit a 'pivotal moment', says PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina says she doesn't think current drives against corruption would tarnish her government's image, as the question came up during her press meet Sunday on her China tour.

Talking to the journalists she reaffirmed her commitment to pursuing the "zero tolerance" policy for corruption wipeout from the country. She mentioned at the press conference one of her peons made Tk 4. 00 billion through corruption and she took action against him.

She made the pledge while replying to a question about government measures against corruption at the press conference arranged to inform the outcome of her three-day bilateral visit to China on July 8-10, report agencies.

The prime minister calls China visit a pivotal moment in Bangladesh's diplomatic endeavours.

She said at the bilateral meeting on July 10, Chinese President Xi Jinping mentioned four areas of assistance to Bangladesh: grants, interest-free loans, concessional loans and commercial loans.

"Under these four packages, China has agreed to pay the equivalent of USD 2 billion to Bangladesh," she said.

On quota movement Sheikh Hasina said the government has nothing to do over the issue of quota in public service until a solution comes from the court.

"The executive has nothing to do right at the moment when the higher court or the court passes a judgment. The issue will have to be solved in the court," she said.

The Premier came down heavily on the quota protesters, saying that they are waging the movement without knowing the law and the construction and violating the court order.

Regarding corruption the Prime Minister said the people knew about corruption in different sectors as her government has taken tougher stance against corruption.

"No one in the past had conducted drives in such way against corruption," she said.

The Prime Minister said they had earlier pledged to stamp out militancy from the country through pursuing the "zero-tolerance policy".

"We have done it successfully. Now we are taking measures against the corruption and it will continue till wiping out the menace," she said.

She continued: "I don't believe that the image of my government will be damaged due to taking action against corruption."

The trial of some corruption cases has also been criticized although he committed graft and misappropriated money of workers, she said, without mentioning the name of Dr Muhammad Yunus.

About quota movement she said the court has given them (protesters) scopes to raise their arguments in the court, but they want to solve the issue on the streets.

"Since the issue has gone to the court and the court passed a judgment, I've no right to stand against the judgment right now and the constitution also doesn't allow me to do so," she said.

"We've nothing to do here until it is solved in court. It is the reality. They'll have to accept this reality. Otherwise, we've nothing to do and they will continue their movement (without any result)," she said.

She, however, warned the protesters that any destructive activities won't be tolerated in the name of movement.

"They will not be allowed to do any destructive act. No one says anything as long as they continue their peaceful movement. But if they go for anything else like attacking police and their vehicles or other things, the law will take its own course," she said.

Talking about China visit she said "My visit will be marked as a significant part of Bangladesh's diplomatic activities."

Sheikh Hasina emphasised that enhanced communication and cooperation in research, education, ICT, technology, and culture would strengthen bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China, aiding in the realization of the Sonar Bangla and a modern, smart Bangladesh, as envisioned by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Next year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Bangladesh and China. The Prime Minister highlighted Bangladesh's adherence to Bangabandhu's foreign policy principle of "friendship to all, malice to none," which has guided the nation in its bilateral and multilateral diplomatic efforts.

"I believe that Bangladesh and China will continue to advance development through mutual assistance, considering global realities like climate change, the Palestine crisis, human rights, sustainable development, and the United Nations," she said.

The Prime Minister underscored the long-standing relationship between Bangladesh and China, which extends beyond economic cooperation to traditional ties as Asian countries.

Addressing the issue of the forcibly displaced Rohingya refugees from Myanmar, Sheikh Hasina sought China's cooperation in resolving the crisis. She noted that the Chinese President thanked Bangladesh for its humanitarian assistance to the Rohingyas and reiterated China's commitment to supporting their repatriation.

"President Xi reiterated his commitment to support the repatriation of the Rohingya," she added.

Sheikh Hasina also expressed optimism that Bangladesh and China would continue to support each other at regional and international levels.

Through fruitful discussions with the Chinese President, the relationship between Bangladesh and China has been elevated to the level of Integrated Strategic Cooperative Partnership, she said.

Prime Minister Hasina said she would like India to implement the Teesta project as it is related to the neighbouring country.

"…I would prioritise that India will do it. India holds the water of Teesta River…. So, they should do the project and they would give whatever is necessary here if they do the project," she told the press in reply to a question.

She said China has come up with some offers and conducted a feasibility study about the Teesta project and India has also given offers and will carry out a feasibility study.

She, however, said the government will go for the proposal which will be suitable for Bangladesh after completion of feasibility study by India.