Criticising environmentalists for not raising voice against indiscriminate tree felling across the country during ongoing political shutdown and blockade programmes, Environment Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said BNP-Jamaat has not only announced a war against people but also against the nature. “They (BNP-Jamaat men) are felling thousands of trees across the country in the name of movement. As an environmentalist, it hurts me too much,” he told a discussion arranged by Bangabandhu Academy at Jatiya Press Club. He said the green activists decry when 2-3 trees are cut down for any reason. “Thousands of trees are being cut down across the country for obstructing traffic, but they are silent.” Hasan Mahmud said killing people, making arson attacks on buses and business establishments, and damaging public property in the name of politics cannot be tolerated. Turning to the execution of war criminal Abdul Quader Mollah, the minister regretted that the opposition leader did not make any comment after his execution. “It’s a shame for the nation.” He said now question arises whether the opposition party is pro-liberation or anti-liberation force? “Patronising anti-liberation elements, Khaleda Zia is no instigating them against people today.” He urged the Muslims to come forward and stand against Jamaat-Shibir so that they cannot go on rampage and create any violence in the country on Friday. – UNB
