Hasina to Khaleda: Visit ophthalmologist to increase visibility

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has advised arch political rival Khaleda Zia to consult an ophthalmologist to increase her visibility in the wake of the latter delivering what she alleged was false information about development activities of her Awami League-led government.

"She does not see anything of development activities. What can I do if she does not see anything? I can only recommend her to visit ophthalmologist,' she said in parliament during Question Hour.

"It is unfortunate for the nation that she does not see anything... Right now around 6,600 megawatt power is being generated and people are happy with two meals a day," she added.

The Bangladesh Prime Minister also said that the Ruppur atomic energy project would be inaugurated on October 2 in collaboration with the Russian Federation, and added that the project would strictly follow all the rules and standards set by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Responding to a supplementary question, Hasina said Bangladesh is committed to using the nuclear project only for 'peaceful' purposes and has signed all the necessary protocols and conventions regarding use of nuke technology.

Hasina said the government has taken primary steps for the construction of the second Padma bridge at Paturia-Goalanda point.

She said three organisations have expressed interest to undertake the project under a public-private partnership.

Besides, the government-run China Communication Construction Company had also shown interest in the project, she added.

Law and order was now better than at anytime in the past, she said.