'They threatened to kill me at the airport if I returned home'
Jatiya Sangsad Leader and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that on May 7, 2007, I crossed the hundred barrier and returned to the country. At that time, the caretaker government, even from within the Awami League, was barred from coming to the country. I was even threatened to be killed at the airport on my return home.
Prime Minister said these in an unscheduled discussion on Tuesday (May 7) in the evening session chaired by Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury.
The Prime Minister said, today (May 7) is a unique day in my life because I had returned to the country that day crossing the hundred barriers. Many advisers of the caretaker government at that time also told me on the phone that you will not come, you stay outside, I will do whatever it takes. Some also threatened. It was said that if she returns to Bangladesh, she will be killed at the airport. I said Alhamdulillah, I will come to my country.
The Prime Minister said, "All airlines were prohibited from giving me a boarding pass." After standing at the airport in America for three hours and quarreling with them, I came to London on British Airways. On the day I was going to board the plane in London, I was not allowed to board. That day I vowed that I would return home anyway. Even when I left for the airport, many people told me on the phone that you will not come; in fact they will kill you. I didn't care. However, I am grateful to the leaders and workers of Awami League.
Sheikh Hasina also said that then it was said that no one should go to the airport. Even from within my party. The Secretary of the party then told everyone that he would be expelled if he went to the airport. None of our leaders and workers can live on the streets. I gave only one message that everyone will stay. We fought guerilla warfare, everyone stay, you don't leave until my plane lands, until I open the door and get out.
She said, I was told that when I boarded the vehicle, I would be taken to an unknown location. I told the driver to go where people are going, don't go over the flyover. Thousands of people are on the streets. Ignoring the restrictions of some people in my party, the leaders and workers not only welcomed me but also gave me security.
She also said that at that time one or two people could come to me. Sabina Yasmin is sick, I went out guerilla style. I went to the hospital avoiding the eyes of the police. That day I spoke very harshly, I said who is running the country? The police arrived the next morning. I was arrested and brought to a dirty abandoned building in the Parliament building. I was imprisoned there.
The Prime Minister said, not only on this day, but also in 83, Ershad Sahib arrested us and took us to Lal Dalan at 30 Hare Road. From there she was taken to the DGFI office for questioning. Mr. Ershad arrested me several more times. Me, Matia Apa, Sahara Apa (no longer) take the three of us together and sometimes kept us overnight in the control room. Not only that, I am able to come here today and serve the people by overcoming repeated arrests, direct firing, bombs and grenades. Now I am only standing, to thank the people of Bangladesh, to thank the leaders and workers of the party.