Action against graft on to check repeat of 1/11: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today ruled out the possibility of recurrence of 1/11 in the country, saying that the government is taking stern action against corruption earlier to check repeat of 1/11.

"I can say it (clearly) that 1/11 won't happen again. If any irregularity takes place, I'll take action, we'll take action and whoever might be, even they belong to my party … if I want to try the corrupts, it'll have to start from own house," she said.

The prime minister was addressing a press conference at Bangladesh Mission on the occasion of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen was present on the dais, while Bangladesh Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Masud Bin Momen delivered the welcome address and PM's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim moderated it.

Sheikh Hasina said some people are becoming owner of huge wealth by taking scope for distribution of money from starting of preparing projects to get the work of schemes.

"Money have been kept in sacks to hide those (money) and we've seen it after the 1/11 changeover," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said that it is a nature of some people to show off their wealth that comes suddenly. "We need to give a blow to this part of the society," she said.

She said that she does politics for the people and came to power after being elected by the votes of the people. "I always think about the well-being of the people," she said.

"We have to look after that no bad effect falls on my party or in the society due to staying in power for a long. I have to also tackle this. For that I'm conducting this drive (against the corruption)," she said.

In this connection, she said that some people may become unhappy on her for the drive. "But I don't bother it as I don't have any fascination for power and wealth," she said.

Sheikh Hasina said the drive against graft is underway and it will continue. She, however, said there is no need to form a special committee in this regard.

"Whenever we get allegations about corruption, we take action against it … we've formed the National Security Cell and are giving directives on time. The drive is continuing and there is nothing to be worried about it," she added.