Dhaka, Dec 20 – Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Sunday claimed that the draft of a statement issued by 42 eminent citizens regarding the Election Commission (EC) was prepared by the BNP.
The minister came up with the remarks at a discussion organised by Progotishil National Awami Party-Progotishil NAP (Bhasani) marking the 140th birth anniversary of Mawlana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani at Jatiya Press Club.
Forty-two personalities of the country gave a statement about the EC on Saturday, the Minister said, adding: “With utmost respect to them, I’d like to say that all of them are known as pro-BNP. Some of them are advisors to the BNP chairperson.”
They have been trying to raise a question mark against the government at different times, he said.
“But they exceptionally got united yesterday but the statement was drafted from BNP office, so they are echoing the BNP,” Mahmud said.
Discussions can be held over any dispute regarding EC, he said, adding that the statement was appeared to be aimed at diverting the people’s attention and it “does not show intellect of intellectuals”.
“As the government is in charge, it can be criticised. It’s normal. But if the educated people do it in the way of BNP’s blind criticism, then the common people may wonder why these educated persons are suddenly talking like uneducated people!” the minister said.
“I’d request [BNP Secretary General] Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir to manage his own house (party) properly instead of criticising the Awami League,” he added. – UNB
