Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday said there is no reason to impose sanctions afresh on Bangladesh and if that happens it will be very unfortunate.

He said he does not have any idea on new sanctions as it depends on individual countries.

“We hope (America's) good sense will prevail,” he said, adding that America is passing thousands of sanctions (on other countries)," Dr Momen told reporters at a media briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, adding that they (US) will not do these things.

It was arranged to brief the media on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Qatar visit that begins on Monday afternoon. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin, among others, was present.

It was very strange and surprising and no reference (source) is mentioned, Momen said regarding a media report that claimed that new sanctions are coming.

The Daily Kalbela newspaper published the report titled "US Sanctions Coming, Government Remains Ready.”

He referred to Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque who also said there is no reason to impose new sanctions.

On Sunday night, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly protested and condemned part of a media report terming it "false, baseless" and it was done with an "ulterior motive."

The Foreign Minister reiterated that he had never worked as a Chinese firm lobbyist before becoming a minister.

Rather, he said, he stayed in the USA and worked there. "This is something very strange (media report)."

Referring to the news published in the Daily Kalbela, the MoFA on Sunday night said in a part of the news, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen was defamed.

The report mentioned that Dr Momen worked as a lobbyist for a Chinese organization before becoming a minister.

"It is completely false and baseless," MoFA said in a media release.

Through such lies in the name of AK Abdul Momen, the image of the government has been tarnished along with his defamation, MoFA said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina recently said Bangladesh will not purchase anything from countries that impose sanctions against the country.

A journalist wanted to know what actually provoked her to make this comment. In reply Dr Momen said politicians say many things that work as warnings as there are times when they see many issues.

“We are a very proud nation with many achievements. We have the capacity to face challenges. We are a victorious nation. I think this is the message (she wanted to convey). We will not step back but we will face the challenges.”

The US Embassy issued a “demonstration alert” ahead of the next general election and said the US citizens should practice vigilance and remember that demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.  

When FM Momen’s attention was drawn regarding the alert, he said this question should be asked to the US side.

“Still there are still 7-8 months before the election. It is very strange. You ask them. Our law and order situation is very good. This is an amazing development we must say. They (law enforcement agencies) have done an excellent job,” Momen said. 

The Foreign Minister said no one is getting killed on Bangladesh street and it will be relevant for the US to alert people regarding visits to US malls, schools or bars to remain careful there. 

Also Read: PM Hasina: Bangladesh won't buy anything from those who impose sanctions against it