Dhaka, Jan 19 : The Bangladesh Army has claimed that it has foiled a coup planned against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.

Bangladeshi military spokesperson Masud Razzaq that "whole-hearted efforts of army soldiers" foiled the alleged coup planned by military officers who had "extreme religious views", The BBC reports.

Bangladesh has a history of coups, with the army running the country for 15 years until 1990.

Sheikh Hasina assumed power from a military-backed caretaker government in early 2009.

Over 70 people were killed in a revolt staged by the country''s paramilitary forces after she took office. (ANI)