An article by Bangladesh's main opposition BNP chief Khaleda Zia in a US daily seeking sanctions against the country to save democracy has sparked a political row.
However, the BNP has said Zia did not send any article to The Washington Times even though the newspaper said it published the commentary only after being sure about its author.
"It (the article) was not hers...It may be a case of forgery under a plot," BNP spokesman Rizvi Ahmed told during a Press conference yesterday as ruling Awami league demanded Zia's apology to the nation saying no question of doubt could arise that she wrote the article.
Rizvi, also the joint secretary general of the party added that The Washington Times claim was "not correct" and "we ask you (Bangladesh media) not to make things complicated over the issue any further."
Zia last week denied sending any write-up to the US newspaper seeking withdrawal of trade preferences for Bangladesh, five months into publication of the item, as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina comedown heavily on her arch-rival after the US suspended Bangladesh's preferential trading status or GSP over workers rights and safety.
"Some people are referring to a write-up published in my name. I haven't sent any such write-up to the newspaper... It's out of question- I did not send any write-up to that newspaper seeking suspension of the GSP facilities for Bangladesh," she insisted.
But in an instant and sharp reaction, Hasina said "there is no use denying it".
"It (write up) says here - Khaleda Zia's article, former Prime Minister and present opposition leader. This is available on the Internet," the premier told parliament waving the newspaper. "I am (Hasina) mentioned in this article 12 times. It is all right if you choose to write against me. But why against the countryIJ"
Several Bangladeshi media including the Daily Star subsequently carried Washington Times comments confirming that the article they carried on January 30 under a title 'ZIA: The thankless role in saving democracy in Bangladesh' was written by Zia.
"They (US authorities) also must explain to Ms Hasina that general preferences for trade will be withdrawn if those who support workers' rights and have political views opposed to those of the prime minister are not now allowed to express their beliefs," read the write-up published in Zia's name.