Propaganda BNP’s last resort: Quader

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Qauder yesterday said BNP's only plan is to spark controversy on any issue to create a political confusion in the country.

"BNP's last resort is to disseminate negative propaganda," he said while addressing a press conference at his official residence in the capital.

As BNP believes in the politics of blame game, it is quite natural that they would say something against the government, Quader said.

Quader, also general secretary of ruling Awami League, rejected the allegation of BNP leaders that the recent attacks on puja mandaps in different places, including Cumilla took place as part of a blueprint of the government and the government didn't take any measure to bring the perpetrators to book.

"These allegations are completely false," he said.

"Why will the government make the country unstable? What is the benefit of the government to create such unrest," he questioned.

Terming BNP an irresponsible party, Quader said none on behalf of the party stood beside the Hindu community immediately after the attacks. A team of BNP visited different temples after two weeks of the incidents.

Refuting BNP's allegation that the government barred the priests of temple to talk to BNP leaders, Quader said only BNP leaders and activists can make such false allegation.

Meanwhile at a programme in Rajshahi, Information Minister Hasan Mahmud yesterday said the plan to destroy the communal harmony in the country has been made by a top BNP leader staying in London.

"BNP had planned to destroy the country's communal harmony after holding a month-long meeting... The recent plan to foil communal harmony is part of their conspiracy," he said.

The minister came up with the observation while addressing a press briefing at the Rajshahi Circuit House.

Hasan, also AL joint general secretary, termed the persons involved in the communal violence enemies of the country and said all the perpetrators must be brought to book as soon as possible.

He said the extremist organisations, including BNP and Jamaat, remained active in destroying the country's communal harmony with an ulterior motive to hinder the development activities.

But the government has tackled the violence strictly, he said, adding around 100 cases were been recorded and about 700 persons were detained so far.

Replying to a query related to the involvement of a BCL activist of in Pirganj arson attack, the minister said the person was ousted from BCL long time ago. So, his liability can't be pressed on BCL, he added.