BNP distorting history even after 50 years of independence: Hasan

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said on Monday BNP leaders are distorting the country's history even after 50 years of independence, reports BSS.
"BNP leaders are distorting history. Those who are distorting history even after 50 years of independence should be brought to justice," he told reporters after extending greetings at a function in Tejgaon industrial area in the city, marking the 18th founding anniversary of Bangla daily Amader Somoy.
Asked about BNP's demand for holding rally at Kalurghat in Chattogram, the minister questioned why BNP will hold rally at Kalurghat.
"Will they hold rally for distorting history," he said.
Referring to version of police, Hasan, also Awami League Joint General Secretary, said BNP took permission for holding rally and place wreaths at Sholo Sohor in Chattogram but they didn't take permission for Kalurghat.
Conflicts take places in most of the rallies of BNP and vehicles are also vandalised and even they lock into infighting, he said, adding that it is the duty of police to protect life and property of people, so BNP cannot hold rally without permission.
He said during the Liberation War, Ziaur Rahman was actually was on his way to unload arms and ammunition from Swat (MV Swat was a Pakistani ship carrying weapons for the occupation forces had anchored at Chittagong Port) but he returned due to people's obstacles.
Later, Bangabandhu's proclamation of independence was read out by him on March 27, he mentioned.
About Ziaur Rahman's role in the Liberation War, a Pakistani colonel of that period, who became chief of army staff of Pakistan, wrote letter mentioning that Pakistanis are happy with Zia's activities and he (Zia) wouldn't have to worry about his wife-son, the minister said.
Hasan said actually Ziaur Rahman was a Pakistani spy in guise of freedom fighter.
Asked about half- day hartal called by Left Democratic Alliance over price hike of essentials, he said severe traffic congestion was seen at streets in Dhaka city during the hartal.
"I don't know whether those who have called hartal are getting ashamed or not. But I am feeling ashamed as the people didn't respond to hartal by any means," he said.