Dhaka – Awami League publicity and publication secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud on Tuesday alleged that BNP-Jamaat alliance is trying to create anarchy in the country by joining hands with al-Qaeda.
“The BNP-Jamaat alliance has long been enforcing militant programmes. We think they have a connection with al-Qaeda,” he said.
Hasan Mahmud, also a former minister, said this while addressing a press conference at Awami League President Sheikh Hasina’s Dhanmondi political office.The Awami League leader alleged that BNP is trying to create anarchy by joining hands with international militants after having failed to assume state power. “The remarks made by BNP leaders and al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri have the similarity.”
About the alleged al-Qaeda audiovisual message, Hasan Mahmud said, “As I know the audiovisual was transmitted from Arizona of the USA. I think it was given by Ayman al-Zawahiri on behalf of Al-Qaeda.”
The audiovisual message, believed to be from al-Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri, has urged the Muslims in Bangladesh to wage an intifada (popular uprising) to confront the “crusader onslaught against Islam”.
On BNP acting secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s allegation that the government is trying to get close to the USA by speaking about al–Qaeda threat, Hasan Mahmud said Bangladesh and the USA have been working together to stamp out militancy.
“The aim of the two countries is identical. Awami League’s relations with the USA are friendly and deep.”
Awami League leaders Dr Abdus Sobhan Golap, Asim Kumar Ukil and Sujit Roy Nandi were, among others, present at the press conference. – UNB
