Connectivity deals won’t serve country’s interests: Khaleda

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia today criticised the deals on connectivity during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit, saying those would not serve Bangladesh’s interests.  

“Friendship is good, but none wants to make any friendship sacrificing own interests. It is friendship when it ensures equality, otherwise it becomes slavery,” Khaleda said without mentioning the name of India.  

Khaleda made the comments while speaking at a view exchange programme with Jatiyatabadi Ainjibi Forum of Mymensingh District Bar at her Gulshan office this evening.

“If you want to go to North-Bengal using the Jamuna bridge, you have to pay toll. But there are some countries those will be able to use our country [highways and bridges] without paying anything.

“Heavy vehicles will be using our roads without paying anything; if our roads are capable of taking that load? We are not barring them from using our roads, but they should pay for it,” Khaleda added.

Regarding the coal-based Rampal Power Plant, the BNP chief said, “We are not against the power plant, as Bangladesh needs electricity. If the power plant is established, the Sundarbans will be destroyed, as the site is very close to the forest.”