Bangladesh
Momen's Memories Couldn't hold a meeting after PM Hasina's release due to reformists: Abdul Momen
Dhaka, June 11: Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen said on Friday, June 11- Sheikh Hasina's release from Prison day- he could hold hold a meeting after the then Awami League and present Prime Minister's release from jail in 2008 due to growing reformists in the United States during the military-backed caretaker government of 1/11.
On the occasion of Sheikh Hasina's release day, Dr. Momen talked about the role of Awami League in the United States during the caretaker government of 1/11, which was supported by the army.
He also shared his bitter experience at that time. At that time, the foreign minister was the advisor of the Awami League in the United States. He lived in Boston.
"We started a movement for the release of Sheikh Hasina. I traveled from Boston to New York every week for meetings. I would leave for New York after finishing class on Friday. On the way back from there on Monday, it would be 4:30 am. I would go to class at 8 am on Monday. The children would fall asleep in the car," Momen said.
"At that time I started a movement to free Sheikh Hasina. When we had meetings, the reformists would call meetings at the same time. Just to interrupt our meeting," he added.
"After being released from jail for treatment, Sheikh Hasina came to Boston. We then said, you are the daughter of Bangabandhu, you must return to the country. She returned to the country ignoring all obstacles," the Foreign Minister said.
Incumbent Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was arrested on July 16, 2007 during the military-backed caretaker government of 1/11. At that time, Sheikh Hasina fell ill inside the jail. Then there were demands from various quarters to release her for treatment abroad. The then caretaker government was forced to release Sheikh Hasina in the face of constant pressure, uncompromising attitude and unwavering demands from the Awami League and other affiliated organisations.
Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's release day was Friday (June 11). After a long imprisonment of 11 months, she was released on June 11, 2008 from the special jail set up at the Parliament House premises.
