Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said her government is not creating any pressure on the media to stop anyone from writing anything against her as she is accustomed to enduring criticisms.

She said: "We did not obstruct any one from writing anything...how many newspapers were in my favour since my return to Bangladesh? All of them have been writing against me ...I am used to enduring it. I am bothered little about it.”

Sheikh Hasina made the comments while speaking at a press conference at her official residence Ganabhaban about the outcome of her recent tri-nation visit to Japan, Saudi Arabia and Finland.

As a journalist sought her comment about an English daily editor's assertion that he cannot write column now out of fear, the PM said: "The editor would not have dared to say it had there been any such pressure. No one created any pressure (on the media)."

The prime minister said the English daily editor and some others do not feel good when the democratic process continues.

"They feel better when any undemocratic regime like military or emergency one stays in power since they can write following their directives."

She also recalled that the English daily editor said in a television talk-show that he published some false news based on information supplied by DGFI.

"What does it mean? ...he cannot write now as DGFI is not supplying him information."

The premier said her government is not supplying any information to the media through the DGFI.

"He (the English daily editor) can write whatever he wants. He has continued writing (against me). I never got assistance from those newspapers in my life...I also do not pay heed to any who says what, because I believe that I am working for the welfare of the country and its people," she added.

The PM also questioned as to why the editor suddenly said he cannot write when there is no obstruction or pressure from the government side.

"The nation thinks he cannot write now as he is not getting prescribed information."

"If he wants, he can contact the DGFI. What else I can say?" said a smiling PM Hasina.

Deshsangbad/fh/mmh