BNP terms Ashraf comment on Biswal as racist

Senior Awami League leader Syed Ashraful Islam’s remark describing US Assistant Secretary Nisha Desai Biswal as a ‘two-penny minister’ is ‘racist’, a BNP leader has said.
What he said not only violated diplomatic norms but had clear racist undertones,” said Shamser Mobin Chowdhury at a press conference Saturday.
The former ambassador to Washington said he expected official measures against the LGRD minister for describing the Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Biswal, who is of Indian origin, as being worthless, during her recent visit to Dhaka.
“The government has not said anything against Syed Ashraf after a comment like that, proving the ruling Awami League supports racism.”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s assertion that the United States tried to prevent the 10th national election will hurt bilateral ties, said Chowdhury.
“The people of Bangladesh want good relations with all countries. The head of the government’s comment has landed an unsolicited blow on bilateral ties between the two countries. A national daily even said Syed Ashraf’s comment might cause long-term damage to our relationship with the US”, according to a news agency.