Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu has denied government's "understanding" with Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh Chief Allama Shah Ahmad Shafi.
He said: "Government's understanding with Allama Shafi is not true because he has turned himself into an enemy of democracy and womenfolk by comparing women with ‘tetul’,”
He made the statement while addressing a mass dialogue on Friday, reports BSS.
Answering to a query, the minister said: "Tetul huzur" has to publicly beg pardon for comparing women with tamarind and insisting for girl’s education up to class four.”
“Ahmed Shafi would not be given any concession for praising the government because he committed a crime with his remark that undermined the womenfolk,” Inu said.
Replying to another question, Inu said the BNP has to discard terrorism and militancy and pursue peaceful politics to earn people's confidence. Criticising BNP for its previous role, he said the BNP has tried to turn Bangladesh into Pakistan.
He said the BNP has been dependent on 'imaginary' theories to distort the country's history. He called upon all to stand against the militants and reactionary forces to carry the country towards development.
The minister also referred to various success programmes of Awami League led grand alliance government in health, education, power, agriculture, IT and economic sectors.
In this connection, he said the government has been implementing its dream to build a digital Bangladesh in line with its election manifesto and urged all to supplement the government's efforts to this end.
