Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has ruled out any dialogue with BNP, terming it a terrorist party. The party called three-day blockade to spread their anarchy across the country, he alleged.
The minister said these while replying to a questions of reporters after unwrapping the cover of the seventh part a book named ‘Sangbadpothre Bangabandhu’ published by Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) at his ministry’s office in Dhaka on Monday (October 30).
PIB director general Zafar Wazed and other officials of the institute were present at that time.
Dr Hasan Mahmud, who is also Awami League Joint General Secretary, said that there is no question of dialogue with BNP as it has turned into a terrorist party under Tarique Rahman’s control.
He said, “BNP is no more a political party. It is now a terrorist party. A party which clashed with the very existence of the state through attacking the residence of the Chief Justice, burning down ambulances and killing police, can never be a political party. BNP has turned into a terrorist organisation.
He said that Awami League as a political party can hold dialogue with anybody. However, discussion could be held with the parties which believe in democratic norms and respect the country’s constitution, legal and judicial systems, he added.
The minister said that BNP has returned to the fury of terror like 2013, 2014 and 2015 to make success their Saturday’s rally. They burnt down public transports when a bus helper died in Demra area in the city, he alleged.
He claimed that Awami League organized a peace rally on October 28 where about two lakh people gathered. AL supporters have shown their utmost patience despite all provocations of BNP, he said adding BNP attacked a peace rally in Lalmonirhat, killing a Sramik League worker.
Pointing out the death of a youth in Mohammadpur area in the city on Sunday, the minister said that he died felling from rooftop while jumping from one building to another as he was fleeing after being chased by crowd following setting fire on a bus.
Replying to another query over three-day blockade called by BNP from today (Tuesday), Dr Hasan Mahmud said that they called the blockade to spread their anarchy across the country. Their main intention is to carry out attack and violence, he said, adding the common people will take proper step against them.
Replying to another query over the concern of the US government and European Union (EU) on Saturday’s incidents, the information minister said, “We think that their concern will help to stop the violence. We are also expressing our deep concern and hope that the US visa policy will be executed against the perpetrators of Saturday’s incidents.”
About the health of Begum Khaleda Zia, Dr Hasan said BNP has claimed that her life is in risk and she will not be survived if she is not sent abroad. But the US doctors has said that her health condition is stable and she is now better than before, he said adding he also wishes early recovery of Khaleda Zia.
