CHATTOGRAM, Oct 05 (BSS): Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today condemned BNP's demand for Begum Khaleda Zia's release, saying the state cannot make any compromise with corruption.
"The release of Begum Zia is the matter of the court. But BNP makes silly demand that the state compromises with corruption to release her, which is not possible," he told reporters after attending a seminar in city's Finley Square Cineplex here.
The information minister said the state will oppose if anyone seeks bail in corruption case. If the state does not oppose, it means that the state is compromising with graft, he added.
He said it is the duty and responsibility of a lawyer of the state to oppose, if any convicted accused seeks bail in a corruption case.
Silver Screen organised the seminar titled 'Film Industry of Bangladesh and Challenges of Globalisation' with poet and senior journalist Abul Momen in the chair. Editor of the local daily Suprobhat Bangladesh Rushu Mahmud presented the keynote paper in the seminar while Kamrul Hasan Badal conducted it.
Dr Hasan said the court can take any decision even after the state's objection to the bail of any person and this is the matter of the court.
"But the leaders of BNP are talking ridiculously. What do they want? Do they want to do politics over Begum Zia's health issue by keeping her in jail or release her through the legal process?" the minister said.
He said the BNP chief is in prison being convicted in a graft case and only the court can release her. She embezzled the money of orphans and the court convicted her as per the documents, he added.
In the seminar, Dr Hasan said the government is taking different steps to flourish the country's film industry.
"The film industry is one of the oldest media in Bangladesh. I've already talked with the Bangladesh Bank governor so that the cinema owners could get long-term and easy loan from banks. I hope, we will find out a solution in this regard," he added.
He said there are many reasons for the closure of cinemas in the country.
"We need to protect the film industry for the sake of cinemas," he added.
The minister warned that no irregularities will be continued in the FDC. He said a good film could play a vital role in maintaining peace in society as well as protecting humanity.
"Films can keep the youths away from drugs, militancy and terrorism. A good film could play a vital role in exploring the intellect and conscience side by side building the state, the nation and society," Dr Hasan added.
Washika Ayesha Khan, MP, editor of the daily Azadi MA Malek, RTV CEO Ashiqur Rahman, film maker Amitabh Reza, editor of the daily Purbokone Dr Ramiz Uddin and journalist Omar Kaiser, among others, addressed the seminar.
