DHAKA: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has claimed that a plot is being hatched to carve out "a Christian state like East Timor," from parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar and asserted that she "won't let this happen," as reported by The Daily Star.
Hasina has further claimed that she was offered a hassle-free re-election in the January 7 polls if she allowed a foreign country to build an airbase inside Bangladeshi territory.
She, however, did not name the country that had made the offer to her. Hasina, the Awami League president made the remarks while delivering her introductory speech at the 14-party meeting at the Gono Bhaban on Sunday.
It was the 14-party's first meeting with the Awami League president after the country held polls, The Daily Star reported. The Bangladesh PM stressed that she faces challenges both at home and abroad and that a "conspiracy is afoot", according to a report in the local media, United News of Bangladesh.
"Like East Timor...they will carve out a Christian country, taking parts of Bangladesh (Chattogram) and Myanmar with a base in the Bay of Bengal," Hasina said in her address. She noted that business activities have been going through the Bay and the Indian Ocean since ancient times.
"Many have their eyes on this place. There is no controversy here, no conflict. I won't let that happen. This is also one of my crimes (in their eyes)," she said. About the proposal for an airbase, the premier said, "The offer came from a white man".
"It may appear that it is aimed at only one country, but it is not. I know where else they intend to go," she said, adding that this is why the Awami League government is always in trouble.