DHAKA, Nov 16, 2019 (BSS)- Rebutting BNP leaders’ criticism over a treaty with India, Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said BNP is accustomed to ride on anti-Indian politics and deliver anti-Indian statements to confuse the people.
“Bangladesh didn’t give water to India . . . But, BNP leaders are spreading falsehood over the water issue of the Feni River,” he told newsmen after addressing a meeting of Awami League Publicity and Publication Sub-Committee at AL president political office in city’s Dhanmondi here.
The minister said BNP chief Begum Khaleda Zia had forgotten to talk about the sharing of the Ganges River water while she visited India. “They (BNP) have no ethical rights to talk about the water issue”.
Hasan said India was using drinking water from the Feni River earlier, which is only 0.5 percent. Now the Bangladesh government brought it under a framework, he added.
Responding to a question, the minister said the countrymen have given mandate to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to run the state for three consecutive times. “But, BNP is talking that the government has no ethical right to run the state. This is not new” he added.
Hasan, also AL’s Publicity and Publication Secretary, said the countrymen witnessed the unity of BNP-led Oikya Front in the last national elections. “The result of their unity was ‘zero’. They are now facing troubles in keeping up their unity. Even, Oli Ahmed created another platform. We are seeing disarray in the Oikya Front,” he said.
The minister said, “I want to say to Mirza Fakhrul Islam Almagir to keep unity among themselves. Awami League wants BNP to exist in the country’s politics as a strong political party. We always want strong opposition. A strong opposition party is needed for strong democracy.”
BNP should refrain from pursuing the politics devoid of realistic footing, and also against the common people and attacks on the masses, said Hasan.
He said unprecedented developments have taken place in every sector of the society under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. For this, the common people choose the Awami League to retain power, he added.
Turning to the killing of two school students in the United State of America, Hasan said it is really worrisome that students and common people were killed in the schools, pubs or other places in the USA frequently. “We hope that these killings will be stopped,” he added.
About forming wage board for the journalists of electronic media, the minister said a separate guideline is required to be formulated for securing jobs of the journalists of electronic media outlets.
About the progress work of the sub-committee centering the upcoming council of AL, Hasan hoped that the all works will be completed in the first week of December.
AL Deputy Publicity and Publication Secretary Aminul Islam, among others, was present at the meeting.