“I will accept the people’s verdict,” says Bangladeshi Prime Minister

In an exclusive interview with CNN’s Richard Quest, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina affirmed that she will “accept the people’s verdict” on whether she remains in power, as she faces national elections later this year. 

“I am working for my people,” she explained. “If people vote for me, I am here.” 

In the wide-ranging interview, Prime Minister Hasina also discussed the country’s economic outlook as it emerges from the Covid-19 pandemic, the Rohingya refugee crisis, and her country’s position on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

Key quotes from Prime Minister Hasina: 

On Bangladesh’s economic outlook:

“We are developing our economy very fast. You know that - before COVID-19 pandemic, we achieved our GDP 8%, 8.1 percent, But because of this pandemic, it slowed down. It is true. But then again, we recover now continuously from 5-6%. We are achieving even this year, we achieved 7%. So, our economy is still stable. But yes, because of this international problem, this is not only our problem and the inflation all over the world. But I have instructed my people to grow more food, and work hard, so that we don't need to depend on other.” 

On whether 14 years as Prime Minister is enough, as the next election draws nearer:

“I have only one aim: to fulfill my father's dream, and the ideology of our liberation war should be established. So I am working for my people…If people vote for me, I am here. If they don't – okay, fine. I will accept it. I will accept people's verdict.” 

On Russia’s invasion of Ukraine:

“We believe in peaceful solution. If there is any conflict through dialogue, it can be solved, but we never support any kind of invasion or conflict. Bangladesh’s foreign policy is very clear, friendship to all, malice to none. And we follow that.” 

On whether Bangladesh is too close to China:

“We are close to everybody, China, USA or India, everybody, those who support our development, we are with them. China is our development partner. They are investing here, they are doing some construction. That's all – we are not [dependent] on anybody.” 

On the help Bangladesh needs to handle the Rohingya refugee crisis:

“We call upon international community that they should pursue Myanmar so that they take their citizens back to their home. And not only that, we also started dialogue with Myanmar government. Unfortunately, they are not responding properly.” 

“We already talked to China and requested them to put pressure. Not only China, with ASEAN [countries], Japan, even USA, even other [countries]. Everybody we requested that please put pressure to Myanmar so that they take their citizens back to their country. Unfortunately, Myanmar government is not listening to anybody that is the problem. But I think the international community should put more pressure because for us, it's a big burden.”