"The people of Bangladesh, who fought long-drawn struggles for independence, democracy, fair elections and fundamental values, do not need any lessons from anybody…Our commitment to democracy and fair elections has already been tested and proved," he said responding to the European Parliament resolution on Bangladesh.

In his reaction, Khan said the present government is very much concerned about welfare of the people and is only accountable to them. " We'll appear before the highest court of the people after five years and they will give the final verdict."

In an oblique reference to the opposition for encouraging such resolution in the Euro Parliament, the foreign minister observed that the resolution was adopted in presence of only 98 out of 732 MPs of the parliament whose decision is not binding on anyone.

"Since they (opposition) are not winning confidence of the people at home, they are trying to draw sympathy from outside. They should cry on the shoulders of the people of Bangladesh, not on the shoulders of others," he said.

Referring to the plea for reform in caretaker government system, Khan said all political parties and people approved the nonparty caretaker government and the three elections were held in a free, fair and impartial manner, which were acclaimed worldwide.

Many countries are now thinking of introducing it as a model.

He said: "It should not be wise to change a system out of bugbear on part of any person… If the caretaker system is faulty, doesn't it mean that all the three elections were wrong?"

However, the foreign minister said, " Let the opposition come to parliament and speak out their suggestion. We're all reasonable people and we're ready to reflect the will of the people, who are the best judge."

About the grenade attacks on opposition meetings on August 21 and January 27, he said the government had categorically condemned these heinous acts and already brought some perpetrators to justice. He said the charge sheets in the Kibria murder case and Chittagong arms haul case were finalised and perpetrators brought to book without any political considerations.

On the reported extra-judicial killing by Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), he asked: "Should the government keep mum when a handful of criminals and rapists would endanger the life and property of 14 crore people?" "Such laws are there in many European countries, including the UK. Under Homeland Security Act no such criminals are spared."

"Let there be a referendum on Rab, and we are sure 99 percent people will support it. People have heaved a sigh of relief following the Rab action," he said. He, however, added: " We have never said Rab is the permanent solution; we are trying to enhance the capacity of law-enforcers to deal with the hardened criminals."

On the freedom of press, the foreign minister said press in Bangladesh is now enjoying full freedom. "I always say that we have no control over the weather and the press in Bangladesh--and we jealously hold it as our achievement."

On human rights, another issue raised by the critics, he said Bangladesh has never been censored by the UN Human Rights Commission as happened to many other countries.

On functioning of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), he said the ACC is functioning independently having separate budget and manpower, free from interference of the government.

The foreign minister, however, welcomed a part of the resolution that urged the opposition to end the boycott of parliament, shun undemocratic practices and enter dialogue through full participation in the democratic process in parliament.