Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu on Tuesday said BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s remark about the operation of joint forces in Satkhira has offended the country’s people as well as the law-enforcing agencies. “What Khaleda Zia said is an insult to the country and its people, and also to the law-enforcing agencies.” the Information Minister said at a press briefing at the Secretariat. BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia, in her first address in a public rally at city’s Suhrawardy Udyan after the 10th parliamentary polls, on Monday said there are doubts in public minds as to who are involved in the joint forces’ operation in Satkhira. “Khaleda Zia has lied about the operation by the joint forces in Satkhira and Gaibandha that were conducted to stop acts of sabotage,” Inu added. Terming Khaleda’s doubts as ‘irrational’ and ‘disappointing’, the Information Minister said she must seek apology to the nation for the remarks. There was no involvement of any foreign force in the joint forces’ operation, Inu categorically said. Over the prospect of any dialogue between the government and the BNP-led 18-party alliance for any political consensus, he said Khaleda will not be ‘eligible for an effective dialogue’ until the militant and criminal activities are stopped. “The government is prepared for dialogue, but BNP must cut ties with Jamaat and stop attacks on minorities before that,” he said. – UNB
