A minister's advice indeed
Textiles and Jute Minister Abdul Latif Siddique yesterday advised the Bangladesh Chhatra League leaders to refrain from in-party clashes and take on the opposition parties instead.
"Why are you fighting among yourselves? Why don't you fight with 'them' instead?" he said clearly hinting the opposition while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion on "Immediate trial of war criminals and prevention of anti-nation development activities" organised by Awami League Sangskritik Forum at Dhaka Reporters' Unity yesterday.
The minister strongly denied the allegations of tender manipulation and extortion by Chhatra League leaders and activists.
He also claimed that a group of conspirators have joined the Chhatra League and they were committing the offences to tarnish the student wing of ruling Awami League.
His sweeping remarks on various sections, including the media, stunned the audience so much that there was no discussion on war criminals.
The minister accused the country's mass media of playing a key role to protect the war criminals, instead of helping the trial.
“Most of the media are controlled by anti-liberation war forces. That is why they publish and telecast reports against the trial of war criminals,” he said.
Criticising the media, he said, “Some journalists welcomed the 1/11 political changeover taking bribes. Some TV channels tried to legitimise the caretaker government by telecasting favourable talk shows.”
Asked, which media companies took money from the caretaker government, Latif said, "I need not to tell you this."
He also censured the activities of noted lawyer Rafiqul Haque saying, "He enjoys facilities from both Awami League and BNP. He would even move in favour of the war criminals during their trial if he is paid his fees."
Latif Siddique blamed Awami League leaders for delaying the trial of war criminals as, according to Latif, they do not want to take responsibilities.
State minister for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku was also present at the discussion but he remained silent the whole time.
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