BNP has no strength to launch movement, says Hasan Mahmud

Publicity and Publication Affairs Secretary of the ruling Awami League (AL) Dr Hasan Mahmud said Friday BNP has turned out to be a political party of no leaders, activists and supporters now, reports BSS.

"So, the party is now busy celebrating the birthday of Tarique Rahman losing strength to launch any movement," he said.

Dr Hasan Mahmud said this while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion on "Current politics: People's rejection of destructive politics of BNP-Jamaat" in the city.

Swadhinata Parishad organised the discussion at Mukti Bhaban at Purana Paltan with its adviser Barrister Zakir Ahmed in the chair. Dhaka City AL organising secretary Shahe Alam Murad, Swadhinata Parishad president Zinnat Ali Zinnah and general secretary Fazlul Huq were the discussants, among others.

Informing his audience that the trial of BNP senior vice-chairman Tarique Rahman would start on his return home, Dr Hasan Mahmud said, "BNP leaders celebrated Tarique Rahman's 50th birthday recently. He is a fugitive accused.  BNP leaders said that security would be provided to Tarique on his return home. We also want his return to the country. Law enforcing agencies and the court are also waiting for his return home. His trial would start as soon as he returns home."

Bitterly criticising recent remarks of BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir against Prime Minister's Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy, he said, "Pass remarks with courtesy. Otherwise, leaders and workers of AL will not sit idle."

"Don't come up with derogatory remarks against Sajeeb Wazed Joy. He has completed graduation from Harvard University. He is the main brain behind transforming Bangladesh into a digital country. So, leaders and workers of our party will give a befitting reply if anybody passes derogatory remarks against him," the Awami League leader warned.