DHAKA, April 18: Bangladesh's military-backed emergency government on Wednesday exiled opposition leader Sheikh Hasina Wajed as it stepped up a massive purge of the crisis-wracked country's political hierarchy.

The decision came a day after it was announced that the country's last prime minister, Hasina's arch-rival Khaleda Zia, had been told to pack her bags and go to Saudi Arabia.

“The government has taken special security measures regarding Sheikh Hasina's return to the country,” a Home Ministry statement said.

Hasina, who heads the main opposition Awami League, is on holiday in the United States where she is visiting relatives. She has been charged in absentia with murder, but had nevertheless vowed to return to Dhaka next week.

“All the immigration departments in airports, land ports, airlines operating flights to Bangladesh and all concerned people have been informed to take the necessary actions,” the statement said.

Contacted by AFP, three senior ministry officials confirmed -- as clearly implied by the statement -- that Hasina, 60, would be blocked from entering the country and even barred from boarding any flight to Dhaka.

“The government has just banned her from entering the country,” said Abdul Jalil, the general secretary of the Awami League. “We don't have any comment at this stage.”

Hasina has vowed to return home on April 23. “I will call everyone: be ready, God willing I am returning home on April 23. I will return home no matter what happens to my fate,” Hasina told BBC Bengali Service Radio from Washington DC.

“I will request the caretaker government that they do not put any bar on my return to the country. If they put bar on my return, they will be responsible for any consequences. Why should I stay out of my country? If we commit any crime, then they should try us on our home soil,” she said.

Hasina and Khaleda have ruled the country alternately since democracy was reintroduced in 1991, and their respective family dynasties have dominated national politics since the country gained independence in 1971.—AFP