PM dismisses Talpatty existence, ridicules BNP\\\'s remark

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Thursday dismissed the existence of the much-talked-about Talpatty Island in the Bay of Bengal and criticised the remarks of an ex-BNP minister over Talpatty saying that it was done to undermine the government's success in the recent maritime victory over India, reports UNB.

"A former BNP minister has said Bangladesh did not get Talpatty Island. I think he should be sent to the Bay of Bengal to find out where the island is?" she said without mentioning the BNP leader's name.

The Prime Minister was addressing the officials of Women and Children Affairs Ministry during her first visit to the ministry here in the morning after assuming office for the second consecutive term.

Hasina said, "In fact, there is no existence of the island now, but ill- efforts are being made to undermine the government's success in the maritime victory as they (BNP) could not highlight the government's achievements. BNP was in power for five years, but it did not perform its responsibility properly to this end."

The Prime Minister also expressed her doubt whether Bangladesh could have brought success in the maritime boundary from India had Awami League not won the January 5 election.

Terming the maritime victory against India and Myanmar a big achievement of the Awami League government, Sheikh Hasina reiterated her determination to properly utilise the resources earned through these wins.