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Bangladesh
British Airways refuses to fly Hasina to Dhaka
2007-04-23
Y'never see them together...
The British Airways (BA) last night refused to fly former prime minister Sheikh Hasina from London to Bangladesh as a Dhaka court ordered her arrest in October 28 Paltan killing case. A tearful Hasina left the airport at Bangladesh time 8:10pm after intense negotiations with the BA authorities, who told the Awami League (AL) chief that the government would not let the flight land in Dhaka if they carried her, Syed Nahas Pasha, editor of the largest circulated UK-based Bengali newsweekly Janamat, told The Daily Star over the phone.

Hasina, who had two British MPs with her during the negotiations, was also asked by BA authorities to consider the 'safety and security' of the passengers on the flight, who would be facing an uncertain fate with Hasina on board. As an emotional Hasina was leaving the airport, she told reporters, "I am the daughter of the father of the nation. I will return to the country, for sure."

"Today an arrest warrant has been issued against me. Before that they imposed a ban on my return. I am ready to accept any consequences in the country. I want to be back with my people on my own soil. Whatever be my fate, I will return to Bangladesh," she said.

Asked whether she would stay in London or return to her son and daughter in the United States, Hasina said she will remain in London for now but decide her future soon. The AL chief entered London's Heathrow airport at 7:15pm and was accompanied by British Labour Party MP Emily Thornberry, who later said that there must be some miscommunication that resulted in Hasina being barred from returning home.
Posted by:Fred

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