Holding political dialogue possible sans arsonists: Inu

KUSHTIA, Mar 20 (BSS): Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu said on Friday BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia cannot avoid the responsibility of arson attacks across the country as all the arrested arsonists are her party workers.
"There is no question of giving concession to Khaleda Zia, the leader of arsonists," he said in reply to a question from journalists about the possibility of holding political dialogues with the BNP.
The minister talked to journalists before joining an exchange of opinion meeting with leaders of Bus-Truck Owners Associations of four districts, people's representatives, the district administration, the police administration, freedom fighters and professionals at the conference room of the deputy commissioner (DC) of the district.
Referring to the United Nations and some quarters at home, Hasanul Haq Inu said those who are talking about holding dialogue are opposing taking actions against the arsonists. He urged them to think again how talks could be held with the arsonists.
"Holding talks and dialogues is possible. But the arsonists have to be excluded (from talks)," he said.
Shipping Minister Shajahan Khan who was also present on the occasion said the government searched for BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed to arrest him. But he could not be traced out, he added.
Mr Ahmed has gone into hiding to avert arrest, he said adding that the government is continuing efforts to find out him.
Kushtia DC Syed Belal Hossain presided over the exchange of opinion meeting.