The US has placed sanctions on Bangladesh before, and they can place more if they wish, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina remarked during an interview with Voice of America today (30 September).

Sheikh Hasina, however, questioned the timing of the US sanctions while in talks with VOA Journalist Satarupa Barua.

"They talk about human rights and voting rights. The Awami League has actively advocated for the voting rights of the people of this nation. We have undertaken comprehensive measures for free and fair elections, such as introducing voters' lists with photos, transparent ballot boxes, and promoting public awareness about their voting rights," she emphasised.

PM Hasina further highlighted the slogan "my vote, my choice" as a testament to her commitment to the democratic process and asserted, "Even the slogan 'amar vote ami dibo, jake khushi take dibo' was coined by me."

The premier also claimed all the elections held in Bangladesh since 2008 have been fair.

"Bangladeshi people are very conscious about the right to their franchise. If someone gets elected by stealing votes, they [people] do not allow them to stay in power for long," she said, mentioning that BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia stoles votes in 1996 and couldn't last even two months.

Treatment of Khaleda Zia: 'She must go back to prison first if she wants to go abroad for treatment'

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia must go back to prison first and then proceed through court if she wishes to travel abroad for treatment.

"If they [BNP] want to take her [Khaleda Zia] abroad, they must go to court and apply for it. She can go if the court permits," Hasina said.

"We have no scope to interfere in the court's activities. All I have been able to do as the prime minister is suspend her sentence on humanitarian grounds and allow her to stay home.

"She [Khaleda Zia] arranged the treatment herself. She is being treated at the most expensive hospital in Bangladesh," the prime minister said.

In the interview, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also talked about multiple other issues, including the US visa restriction, forced disappearance, election-time government etc.

Cyber Security Act: 'Penalty has been reduced'

In response to criticism surrounding the Cyber Security Act, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the significant modifications made in the updated Cyber Security Act 2023, which replaced the heavily criticised Digital Security Act of 2018.

"The enactment of the new law is aimed at ensuring the security of the people, countering terrorism and militancy, and safeguarding the human rights of the citizens. It reflects the recommendations put forth by experts," the premier said, underscoring that the amended version includes a reduction in penalties. 

The proposed Cyber Security Act introduces monetary penalties in lieu of imprisonment for defamation cases filed under the Act. Should the law be implemented, individuals will not face arrest by the police in defamation cases. 

Sheikh Hasina emphasised the global prevalence of cyber laws, stating, "Cyber laws are not unique to Bangladesh; they exist worldwide." 

She noted that the formulation of this recent amendment involved a comprehensive study of cyber laws in various countries.

When questioned about police accountability, the PM said there are provisions (Criminal Procedure Code) in place if law enforcement officials are found to be involved in any crime or extrajudicial action.

"If an individual is involved in criminal activities, and the police do not respond promptly upon receiving the information, there is a potential risk that the accused might escape or erase the evidence," she explained.

Enforced disappearances: 'Why don't they [UN] investigate themselves?'

When asked about the United Nations (UN) report highlighting 70 unresolved cases of enforced disappearance in Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina responded with a counter question saying, "Why has the UN not undertaken an investigation if they are dissatisfied with Bangladesh's response?"

On 19 September, the UN said 70 cases of disappearances in Bangladesh have not yet been solved. The organisation had asked the Bangladeshi government about the status of a total of 88 disappearances. The government said five have been detained, and 10 are free. 

According to Bangladeshi human rights advocates, security forces have committed over 600 enforced disappearances since 2009. While some people were later released, produced in court, or said to have died during an armed exchange with security forces, nearly 100 people remain missing. 

The government has refused to take up the offer from the United Nations to help establish a specialised mechanism to investigate allegations of enforced disappearances in line with international standards, the HRW said in a statement on the occasion of International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances (30 August).

Rohingya repatriation: 'They must return to their own country'

When asked about the resettlement of Rohingya in Myanmar, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, "International assistance for Rohingyas has significantly decreased after the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war. Now, this burden is solely on Bangladesh.

"We ourselves have a large population in a limited area. Due to humanitarian reasons, we have provided them shelter. We are still providing all kinds of support to them.

"I want them to return to their own country [Myanmar]. The Rohingya children cannot grow up in a healthy environment in camps. The sooner they return to their own country, the better it is for everyone," she said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina appealed to all parties concerned to take necessary measures for Rohingyas to return to their country. "The UN or NGOs can provide assistance," she said.

"As a neighbouring country, we are in talks with them. We are trying to make Myanmar understand that they should take back their citizens. But how long can this continue? Six years have passed already. In the Rohingya camps, safety is also a concern besides health. Many are getting involved in criminal activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms smuggling, and more," the premier said.

She said Bangladesh is still fulfilling its responsibilities by facilitating all assistance even though international support is lessening day by day. 

"However, I urge international organisations to work together so that Rohingyas can return to their own country, live a decent life, and live like regular human beings." 

When asked about recent security situation in the Rohingya camps, the PM stated, "We have made all kinds of security arrangements. Our joint forces are active there. Our police, army, and other law enforcement agencies are all active. Still, managing such a huge camp, understanding what's happening in a place where 1.1 million people live, is challenging."

Hasina also said the government developed Bhasan Char island, and there are no such problems there. "Rohingyas are receiving training, arrangements for livelihoods have been made, schools are available, and there are medical centres as well," she said.

Good wishes to Bangladesh Cricket Team

Before concluding the more than half-an-hour interview, the prime minister extended a heartfelt message to the Bangladesh Cricket Team, presently in India preparing for the ICC World Cup 2023.

She said, "I expect all of you to play in a manner that upholds Bangladesh's honour. Play with all your might, and with sincerity."