The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Detained former premier and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina Sunday disclosed her decision to contest the next parliamentary elections.

"Dreams of those who are out to disqualify me from election by awarding me conviction through staging hasty trial will never come true," she told her lawyers during consultation in the courtroom. Hasina, who is facing several corruption cases in the interim period, said a non-elected government cannot ensure welfare for the people. "Only an elected government, which has no alternative, can solve the people's problems and bring stability in the country," she said. The former Prime Minister again reminded that she would be in active politics for the cause of the people-an assertion that confronts head-on the so-called minus formula courted in the political reform drives of recent times.

Referring to signature campaign for her release and treatment abroad, Hasina said some 2.5 million people signed on the charter of demand for her freedom within a fortnight in the capital that reflects confidence in her. And "I will remain in politics to show my respect to the will of the people". She urged her party members to take preparation for the elections and remain alert so the polls are not forestalled on any pretext.

She also urged the party leaders and workers to face the present challenges unitedly with patience.

Hasina said that the election schedule should be announced immediately for handing over power to an elected government through free, fair and transparent elections.

About the Mig-29 warplane-purchase case, she said, "If I am put in the dock for purchasing Mig-29 planes, then the incumbent government will have to face the same music for whatever they purchased." About the denial of her treatment abroad, Hasina said her health condition is very bad. "Those who are depriving me of proper treatment will have to pay one day for such inhuman and cruel gesture," she said.

Meanwhile, the arraignment hearing on the Mig-29 purchase case was again deferred, up to May 11, as co-accused former army chief Gen (retd) Mustafizur Rahman, who is on bail, could not appear in the court for illness. He is undergoing treatment at the Apollo Hospital. The Dhaka Divisional Special Judge's court relocated to parliament complex resumed at 9:45am, two minutes after Sheikh Hasina was brought before it amid tight security.

Five other co-accused persons, who are also free on bail, appeared in the court.