Dhaka, Sep 21 - Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh hasina Monday said awarding of gas exploration contracts to foreign firms was in the country's interest and 'not a sell-out.'

Hasina said gas exploration is necessary to meet the increasing demand of electricity.

'Gas needs to be explored. But I want to assure the people nothing will be done that may harm the interests of the people and our beloved homeland Bangladesh,' Star Online said.

She sought to respond to critics, particularly main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), on her government's awarding exploration bids to an American and an Irish multinational corporation, while greeting the nation on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr and Durga Puja, the festival of the minority Hindus.

She told newsmen that her government which awarded these contracts last month would 'not do anything that might go against the interest of Bangladesh and its people,' United News of Bangladesh (UNB) news agency reported.

'I am the daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman who along with most of his family members sacrificed their lives for the country's interests. I request my people, please don't be confused by anyone,' she said.