More names of 'godfathers' to be revealed

"Apart from the names of the godfathers already published, we have substantial proof of criminal activities and misdeeds of more ruling party men and those will be made public," she told reporters at Zia International Airport prior to leaving the country on a six-day trip to Frankfurt, Germany.

Speaking about the filing of defamation cases by ruling party men against AL leaders, Hasina said, "We will face them before the court." She said the ruling party had "proved its political bankruptcy" by filing cases against her party leaders in different districts.

"Such cases were filed against Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by the autocratic rulers of Pakistan when he placed the historic six-point demand," Hasina said.

The AL published a list of alleged godfathers in an October 16 press briefing that prompted a number of leaders of the ruling alliance to file defamation cases against AL leaders.

The AL chief said the list of godfathers was published because the nation wanted the culprits to be identified.

Replying to a query on a supreme court judge facing graft charges, Hasina said, "It is nothing but an ill effect of politicisation of the judiciary by the ruling alliance." Hasina blamed the government for tarnishing the image of the country and claimed that foreigners are not interested in investing in Bangladesh.

"The present government wants to turn the country into a market for foreign products and it is not interested in utilising domestic resources," she said.

Hasina said during her visit she would urge German entrepreneurs to invest in joint ventures in Bangladesh. "I will also request them to recruit Bangladeshi IT professionals as the sector has huge potential," she said.

Hasina will exchange views on bilateral and international affairs with German politicians, businessmen and civil society members.