Nasim urges BNP to shun violence, take part in polls

Terming BNP's boycotting the general election of 2014 as a wrong political decision, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mohammad Nasim today said there is no position of BNP anywhere in the country.

"BNP is nowhere, it is not in Jatiya Sangsad, it has no position in politics because of the wrong political decision of its chairperson and it could not achieve anything by boycotting the election...So I would like to request them to come back to the path of democracy shunning the path of violence and take part in the next polls," he said.

He was speaking as the chief guest at a discussion to mark the International Research Day 2016 at Milon Hall of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in city's Shahbag area.

"The path you are following will not bring any benefit for the people. Instead you will lose public faith and confidence," Nasim told Begum Zia.

"We expected a delegation from BNP to participate in the AL National Council but no member was there," he added.

Nasim said all powerful countries of the world have come forward to assist Bangladesh because of the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The AL's national council brightened the party's image and has taken the country forward in the path of democracy, he said.

Political leaders from 11 foreign countries attending the AL’s national council lauded the leadership of PM Hasina, he said, adding that they wished success of the council and observed that the AL is taking Bangladesh forward and it can fulfill expectations of the people.

Urging the faculties of BSMMU to do intense research, the health minister said the researchers of medical science must find ways for prevention of new diseases and provide people with low cost healthcare services.

He said healthcare services are a basic right of the people. Only a healthy person can play a role in the nation building activities, and a doctor is the best friend of an ailing person to ensure the basic rights.

BSMMU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Kamrul Hasan Khan demanded enhancement of the fund to Taka 10 crore for expanding the facilities for higher medical education and research in the country.

Acting Chairman of University Grants Commission Dr Mohammad Yousuf Ali Mollah, Chairman of Bangladesh Medical Research Council and Prime Minister's former advisor on health and social welfare Syed Modasser Ali, BSMMU Pro Vice Chancellor (Research and Development) Professor Dr M Shahidullah Sikder, BSMMU Pro VC (Admin) Dr M Sharfuddin Ahmed also spoke, among others.