Ex-PM denies fleeing Bangladesh

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A former Bangladeshi prime minister and leader of one its biggest political parties has denied rumours that she is leaving the country for good.

Awami League president Sheikh Hasina told reporters at Dhaka airport that she was on a family visit to the US.

Bangladesh has been in political crisis since elections were postponed and an emergency declared in January.

The interim government has banned all political activities in the country and launched a crackdown on corruption.

Sheikh Hasina made her remarks as she headed to the departure lounge at Dhaka airport.

She told reporters: "There are lots of rumours that we are fleeing the country, but why should I leave?

"I live with my people for all 365 days a year. I am simply taking 30 days off to visit my children in the USA."

Corruption charges

The BBC's John Sudworth in Dhaka says that with all political activity outlawed, now might seem like a good time for Sheikh Hasina to take a holiday.

Our correspondent says the party, like its opponent the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, is facing tough times.

Almost 50 high-ranking politicians and businessmen with links to both parties have been locked up on corruption charges.

There are rumours that the military-backed emergency government may be keen to see the back of Sheikh Hasina and her arch rival, Khaleda Zia.

But members of the emergency government have also gone on record to confirm that there are no restrictions on the movements of the two former leaders.

Both are former prime ministers who between them have ruled Bangladesh for the past 16 years.

Last week security forces arrested Tarique Rahman, the influential son of Khaleda Zia and heir apparent to the BNP leadership.