Movement can't bring Khaleda's release, says Hasan

Awami League Publicity and Publication Secretary and spokesperson Dr Hasan Mahmud said on Sunday the release of BNP chief Begum Khaleda Zia would not be possible through movement as it is a matter of court, reports BSS.

"It will not be possible to release convicted Khaleda Zia through movement….it is only the court which can release her," he told the newsmen at a press conference held at AL president's political office in the city's Dhanmondi.

Hasan, also the information minister, said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is now in prison after being convicted in a graft case.

So, there is no other way to release her as the court will take decision whether she will be released or not.

The AL leader said BNP always declares that they will launch movement after Eid.

"But, we don't know when they will go to movement . . . I want to urge them not to mock themselves with such talks," he added.

Replying to a question, Hasan said AK Khandaker sought apology to the nation for giving wrong information in a book published four and a half years ago.

"But, it depends on him whether he will go to court or not against those people who provoked him," he added.

The minister said the month of the holy Ramadan is going on peacefully as the government has taken different steps.

The prices of essential commodities have not increased during the Ramadan, Hasan said, adding that the government has conducted drives against adulteration.

He said the journey of homebound people will be comfortable ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr as there is no possibility of traffic jam on highways.

Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister and member of AL Publicity and Publication Sub Committee Mostafa Jabbar, and AL Publicity and Publication Deputy Secretary Aminul Islam Amin, among others, were present at the press conference.

Later, a meeting of AL Publicity and Publication sub-committee was held marking the 70th founding anniversary of Awami League.

Another report adds: Away in Chattogram earlier on Saturday, Dr Hasan Mahmud said the people will discard the politicians who resorted to arson terrorism by burning people and setting ablaze buses-trucks in the name of politics.

The minister said basic objective of politics must be wellbeing of the people and society.

"Politics of the BNP-Jammat clique aims at hurling petrol bombs on the people. On the contrary, Bangabandhu's daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given financial assistance amounting to Tk 10 lakh each of those who were burnt to death," said the minister while speaking at an ifter Mahfil at a city hotel.

Greater Chattogram Goods Transport Owners Federation (GCGTOF) organised the Iftar Mahfil.

Speaking at the function as the chief guest, Hasan Mahmud said the government has taken steps to build two truck terminals in Chattogram.

Terming transportation of goods very important for vibrant economy, the minister said that the present government under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has brought about radical change in road network across the country to ensure easy and quick movement of goods to and from the country's premier sea port Chattogram.

He said road network with all divisional towns, including southern parts of the country-Dhaka Chattogram, Mymensingh and Sylhet has been ensuring easy transportation of goods.

About the increasing trend of road accidents in the backdrop of increasing number of vehicles, the information minister underscored the importance to reduce road accidents.

"We have to be heedful in intergraded efforts to deploy drivers having license, training and skills for reducing road accidents," said the minister.

In this context, Dr Hasan Mahmud observed that it is impossible to keep up discipline for a driver who is asked to drive 20 out of 24 hours.

President of GCGTOF Mohammad Abdul Mannan presided over the function while city Mayor AJM Nasir Uddin, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Chattogram range Khondoker Golam Faruk and Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mahbubur Rahman, among others, addressed the function.

Additional Divisional Commissioner Dipak Chakoroborti, Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram Mohammad Ilias Hossain and Superintendent of Chattogram district police Nur-e-Alam Mina, among others, spoke at the function.