Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said it is not up to her to pardon Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus who has recently been sentenced to six months in jail for the labour law violation.

Replying to a question if she would consider granting pardon to Muhammad Yunus as she celebrates her election victory, the prime minister said she has nothing to do here as the labour court passed the judgement.

The question was asked by an Indian journalist during a post-polls courtesy meeting with visiting foreign observers and media personnel as well as local journalists at Ganabhaban in Dhaka.

Sheikh Hasina said Yunus violated the labour law and deprived his employees who filed a case at the labour court. “I have nothing to do with that,” she said, adding that he should seek pardon from his employees whom he deprived.

Responding to a question from a BBC journalist if she believes that Bangladesh can be considered a vibrant democracy with the absence of any opposition party, the Awami League chief said each and every party has the right to make their own decision. The woman journalist also mentioned that 60% of the voters did not cast their ballots in Sunday’s election.

The prime minister answered that if a particular party does not participate in the election, it does not mean there is no democracy. “You have to consider whether people participated or not.”

“The party did not participate in the election and they tried to prevent people from casting votes. But the people did not listen to them,” she said amid applause from some in the audience.

Noting that she does not know if there is any other definition of democracy, she said the participation of the people is the main thing here.

Coming down heavily on the BNP for unleashing violence and arson violence, Sheikh Hasina threw a counter question to the journalist as to how she defines a democratic party. “They are a terrorist party.”

Answering a question regarding her foreign policy, she said Bangladesh has a good relationship with every country as the motto of its foreign policy is “Friendship to all and malice towards none.”

Describing India as a great friend of Bangladesh, she appreciated that Bangladesh has a wonderful relationship with its neighbours.

“Our relationship is wonderful with every country, even the United States of America. So, from our part, there is no problem. We have a good relationship. Now it depends on you and your government,” she said responding to a question from a US observer.

In reply to another question, the prime minister said she does not want to be compared with great women leaders like Indira Gandhi, Golda Meir, Margaret Thatcher, and Sirimavo Bandaranaike.

The prime minister said the goal of her next government will be to smoothen the journey of Bangladesh as a developing country (from 2026), sustain electricity generation, ensure food and nutrition security, improve connectivity further, alleviate poverty further, eradicate extreme poverty, make the country free from homeless, and finally continue the country’s progress and work for building the country as “Smart Bangladesh.”

 “The economic progress and ensuring a better life for the people is my main aim,” she said, replying to a question from a foreign journalist.