Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday ruled out any dialogue with BNP, terming it a party full of criminals.
“There is no question of dialogue with the BNP as it has turned into a criminal party under Tarique Rahman’s control,” he told journalists at her ministry office.
“BNP is no longer a political party. It is now a criminal party. A party which clashed with the very existence of the state through attacking the residence of the Chief Justice (CJ), burning down ambulances and killing police, can never be a political party. BNP has turned into a criminal organization,” he said.
The minister said while replying to a query 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 at secretariat here.
PIB director general Zafar Wazed and other officials of the institute were present at the function.
Dr Hasan said 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 said.
But, he said, 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 said.
The information minister said Awami Leagye has organized a peace rally on October 28 where about two lakh people gathered. Awami League 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 at city’s Mohammadpur area on Sunday the minister said he died falling from the 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 the three-day blockade called by BNP from Tuesday, Hasan Mahmud said they called the blockade to spread their anarchy across the country. Their main intention is to carry out attacks and violence, he said, adding the common people will take proper steps 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 have said that her health condition is stable and she is now better than before, he said, adding he also wishes for the early recovery of Khaleda Zia.