International Desk/

US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said, ‘We (the United States) have never had any discussions about taking the island of Saint Martin. We respect the sovereignty of Bangladesh.

Commenting on what has been said in Bangladesh about Saint Martin Island, he said, “We value our partnership with Bangladesh. We seek to strengthen our relationship by working together to promote democracy, including supporting free and fair elections.’

He said this in response to a question at the regular press briefing of the US State Department on Monday. Questions and answers from the briefing are listed on the US State Department website.

In another question about Bangladesh in the briefing, it was said that the State Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh responded to a letter from six US Congress members last Sunday. He called the Congress member an enemy. What is the response of the US State Department?

In response, Miller said, ‘I have not seen that letter. I would like to review the details before commenting on this.’

Prime Minister and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina said in response to a question at a press conference at Ganabhaban on June 21, “I am the daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib, no wealth of this country will be sold with my hands.” I do not want to come to power by selling to anyone. I could have stayed in power if I had guaranteed the sale of that gas. Still if I were to lease the island of Saint Martin or our country to someone, I would have no problem staying in power, I know that. But that won’t happen by me.’

Pointing to the United States, Sheikh Hasina then said, ‘How did the BNP come to power in 2001? At that time, he came to power with the promise of selling gas. So now they will sell the country? Or want to come with a bond to sell the island of Saint Martin?’

On June 22, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, “Prime Minister has given false information against BNP regarding Saint Martin. BNP has never sold the interests of the country. The statement made by the Prime Minister about St. Martin is a political strategy. BNP and the people will not let anyone take an inch of soil even if they give their last drop of blood.