‘BNP leaders to be blamed if anything happens to Khaleda’

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Thursday said BNP leaders will be accused if the health condition of Begum Khaleda Zia deteriorates as she is taking treatment under the supervision of BNP and her family.

“Begum Khaleda Zia is taking treatment under BNP and her family. BNP leaders will be accused if her health condition deteriorates,” he told reporters at the meeting room of his ministry at the Secretariat in the capital.

Replying to a query over the observance of ‘democracy killing day’ by BNP, Hasan said it was BNP which tried to kill democracy on January 5 in 2014. “But, they could not . . . they torched about 500 voting centers and even they torched new books kept in schools (polling centers) for distributing among children free of cost. They tried to kill democracy on that day and tried everything to create a non-democratic environment. But they didn’t get success,” he added.

The minister said BNP is identified as the killer of democracy. BNP’s founder Ziaur Rahman had captured power through firearms and by killing people, said Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary.

Replying to another query over clashes in human chains and rallies, the minister said it is really unfortunate and shameful for BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir that his party leaders and workers were involved in fighting among themselves. “It is really regrettable for BNP. How does a party that cannot bring discipline and do infighting dream to run a country? It is a question,” he added.

Replying to another query over a decision of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting Ministry, Hasan said the committee discussed about recent rumours and confusions which were spread through social platforms resulting in attacks on puja mandaps.

“The editors and publishers are responsible if any untrue or wrong news is published in their newspapers. Even, cases are also filed against them. Like this, the service providers of those social platforms have to take the responsibility if there publish any untrue information or spread confusion by using the medium,” he said.