“We’ve every preparation for moving forward. We’ve our own thinking about our move as a developing nation. We’re taking our steps as we aren’t dependent on others,” she said.

The Prime Minister said this while responding to questions from journalists at a virtual press conference marking UN’s final recommendation for Bangladesh’s graduation from the LDC group.

Also read: Bangladesh’s graduation from LDC: Hasina says all credit goes to people

She joined the press conference from her official residence Ganobhaban. It was organised at the Shapla Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The Prime Minister said the government is taking preparations from now to face the challenges as a developing nation since the status has to be maintained from 2024-26. “And for facing that challenge, I’m ready to do whatever is needed.” 

Also read: LDC graduation’s gains to outweigh any losses

Sheikh Hasina said the country will stand on its own feet and “will move in the world” with its dignity and keeping its head ever high. “We can implement our own development programmes from our own budget and for that we’ve enough planning.” 

Responding to a question over contesting the next general election that would take place in 2024, she said, “Let 2024 come and I’ll take the decision then.”

Also read: Bangladesh meets all criteria to graduate from LDC: Finance Minister

News documentary

In response to a question about the recent news documentary in a foreign news channel, the Prime Minister showed a cold-shoulder saying that she has no “reaction and nothing to say”.

“The people of the country will assess how much it bears truth, false or fake, and what’s the motive behind it." 

She said the people who do not believe in the Liberation War, who killed Bangabandhu along with most of his family members, tried to kill her (Sheikh Hasina) never want the development of Bangladesh.

Also read: Bangladesh to seek LDC benefits for 5 years after graduation

Hasina said the government has tried the accused of the cases over crimes against humanity during the Liberation War, killing of Bangabandhu, August 21, 2004 grenade attacks, 10-truck arms haul case. “These criminals and their accomplices and family members will not sit idle at all. They’ve some instigation (behind it),” she said.

The Prime Minister went on saying: “The strange matter in Bangladesh politics is that sometimes ultra-leftists and ultra-rightists get united. What’s our fault? And that’s our big question! Looking at which channel said what is not our politics. Our politics is what we’ve been able to do for our people and the country.”