PM rules out any possibility

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday ruled out any possibility of the rise of radicalism in Bangladesh.

"There's no possibility of the rise of radicalism in Bangladesh. Our intelligence and law enforcement agencies are very active and alert so that they can thwart any such attempt," she said.

The PM made the comments when visiting French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Frank-Walter Steinmeier met her at Gono Bhaban.

PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed reporters after the meeting.

The premier said military dictators grabbed power after the assassination of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and dropped the word "secularism" from the Constitution although it was one of the principles of the charter. "But our government has restored it through the 15th amendment to the Constitution."

She noted that the country's apex court declared illegal the capture of power by military rulers.

Hasina said Bangladesh maintains good relations with its neighbours. "We've resolved many problems with our neighbours through discussions."

When the visiting ministers wanted to know about the condition of Bangladesh's garment sector, the PM said her government took steps for the welfare of garment workers.

The government and private sector have been working together to ensure the welfare of the four million garment workers, she mentioned.

Hasina elaborated the measurers taken by her government to ensure safety and security of garment workers. She said the owners of garment factories were also aware of it.

The two ministers discussed climate change and migration with the PM. Lauding Bangladesh's impressive success on all socioeconomic fronts, they said the people of Bangladesh are very active to further the country's development.

Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali and PM's International Affairs Adviser Gowher Rizvi were present, among others.