BNP creates a bar to eliminating militancy, says Hasan

Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Sunday said the country's one of the biggest political parties, BNP, is creating a barrier to eliminating militancy from Bangladesh as they are patronising the militants, reports BSS.

"Sheikh Hasina's government is combating militancy with an iron hand. But BNP always patronised militants in their own interest," he told a seminar at an auditorium of National Museum in the city.

Bangladesh Mohila Awami League (BMAL) organised the seminar titled 'Our Responsibility in Eliminating Militancy' with its president Safiya Khatun in the chair.

Dhaka University (DU) former Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique addressed the seminar as the guest of honour while eminent economist Dr Abul Barakat was present as the key speaker.

AL International Affairs Secretary Dr Shammi Ahmed, DU Social Science Department Professor Dr Zinat Huda Wahid and BMAL General Secretary Mahmuda Begum Crick, among others, addressed the seminar while BMAL International affairs Secretary Barrister Farzana Mahmud presented the keynote paper.

Dr Hasan said there are many leaders of BNP-led 20-party alliance who received training in Afghanistan and their dream is to turn Bangladesh into a Taliban state.

"BNP is a close ally of the militant parties and they (BNP) are sponsoring them (militants) as their aide. BNP used the militants against their political opponents," he said.