Prime Minister Shaikh Hasina yesterday said the killers of Ziaur Rahman could be identified if Khaleda Zia and her son Tarique Zia were taken on remand.
“Why should I be in remand, rather both mother (Khaleda) and son (Tarique Zia) should be taken into remand to know the link with the killing of Zia,” the premier said responding to a query of a journalist at a press conference.
The press conference was organised over her recent visit to China at her official Gonobhaban residence.
Recently, Tarique Rahman at a programme said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should be placed on remand to unveil the mystery of Zia killing, alleging Hasina had an involvement in the killing.
At the same time, while talking with diplomats Khaleda Zia demanded a dialogue with the government for holing a mid-term election.
Replying to a query on dialogue, Hasina questioned with whom the government would hold the dialogue, when Khaleda wanted dialogue and her son her (Hasina) remand.
“Mother wants dialogue and son wants my remand. Before demanding dialogue, they must decide what they want first,” she said.
Responding to another query, she ruled out any possibility of talks with Khaleda and said, “I have phoned her and received bitter words. How can I forget those words? And now I have to rethink to phone her.”
Responding to another question in terms of dialogue, Hasina however said, “We do politics for the country and its people. We will do anything for the interest of the people.”
Responding to a query whether Tarique Rahman would be brought back to country to face trials of the cases like the 21 August Grenade attack and 10-truck arms smuggling, the premier said, “Everything will be done for the interest of the cases.”
Responding to another question, the premier bitterly criticised a section of civil society members.
Without mentioning any name, the premier said they had a strong desire to enjoy the power but dare not go to the people.
“The quarter does not have any honour while democratic government remains in power.” she said, adding that they quarter do not want betterment of the people.
Terming her China visit a success, the premier said bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China had been strengthened and a door opened for economic cooperation.
Apart from the discussions between the two premiers, some memorandums and deals were inked during the visit.
The deals were regarding economical and technical cooperation between Bangladesh and China and establishing a coal-based power plant in Patuakhali with help from Beijing.