Hasina warns Khaleda not to aggravate people's sufferings

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has warned her political rival and former prime minister Khaleda Zia not to aggravate the sufferings of the people of the country, and also asserted that her government is capable of facing any challenge, and dealing with any conspiracy.

"I don't see any reason to be afraid of...had I been afraid of such conspiracies I wouldn't have come to politics," the Daily Star quoted her, as saying in response to a question from a reporter while exchanging Eid greetings with party leaders, workers, professionals, distinguished personalities, diplomats, judges and a cross-section of people at her official residence Gono Bhaban this morning.

Referring to a report on a conspiracy hatched to topple the government through unfair means, she said, "It's our responsibility to look after this and we're performing our duty."

Hasina also urged the media to publish news item with their sources, and to avoid confusing people by publishing unnecessary news.

She thanked the people of the country for their cooperation in celebrating various religious festivals peacefully maintaining communal harmony.