Dhaka, June 27 – Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Friday accused the BNP of taking the side of people spreading rumours and hatred.
“The words of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir imply that they’re taking the side of rumour-mongers,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting with filmmakers at Awami League President’s Political Office in Dhanmondi. Recently, Mirza Fakhrul said the government had come up reckless on the dissents even during the coronavirus pandemic.
While his attention was drawn to the allegation, the Information Minister retorted: “If spreading rumour and hatred on social media becomes dissent, then his statement justifies those who spread rumours and hatred.”
Pointing out that BNP leaders are arbitrarily criticising the government, Mahmud, also joint general secretary of ruling Awami League, said this would not happen if the government was intolerant to dissent.
“The government never tried to suppress dissent, nor will do. Rather, the government thinks that there must be different opinions as per the constitution,” he added.
Dr Hasan Mahmud disclosed the ministry’s decision to subsidise more films than before in a bid to help the coronavirus-affected film industry.
Among the filmmakers, Amitabh Reza Chowdhury, Giyasuddin Selim, and Piplu Khan were present. – UNB
