BNP distorting history even after 50 years of independence: Hasan

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud Monday said BNP leaders are distorting the country's history even after 50 years of independence. "BNP leaders are distorting history. Those, who are distorting history even after 50 years of independence, should be brought to justice," he told reporters after extending greetings at the celebration of 18th founding anniversary of Bangla daily Amader Somoy at Tejgaon industrial area.

Asked about BNP's demand for holding rally at Kalurghat in Chattogram, the minister questioned why BNP will hold rally at Kalurghat. "Will they hold rally for distorting history," he said.

Referring to version of police, Hasan, also Awami League Joint General Secretary, said BNP took permission for holding rally and place wreaths at Sholo Sohor in Chattogram but they didn't take permission for Kalurghat.

Conflicts occur in maximum rallies of BNP and vehicles are also vandalized and even they lock into infighting, he said, adding that it is the duty of police to protect life and property of people, so BNP cannot hold rally without permission.

He said during the Liberation War, Ziaur Rahman was actually was on his way to unload arms and ammunition from Swat (MV Swat was a Pakistani ship carrying weapons for the occupation forces had anchored at Chittagong Port) but he returned due to people's obstacles.

Later, Bangabandhu's proclamation of independence was read out by him on March 27, he mentioned. About Ziaur Rahman's role in the Liberation War, a Pakistani colonel of that period, who became chief of army staff of Pakistan, wrote letter mentioning that Pakistanis are happy at Zia's activities and he (Zia) wouldn't have to worry about his wife-son, the minister said.

Hasan said actually Ziaur Rahman was a Pakistani spy in guise of freedom fighter. Asked about half day hartal called by Left Democratic Alliance over price hike of essentials, he said severe traffic congestion was seen at streets in Dhaka city during the hartal. "I don't know whether those who have called hartal are getting ashamed or not. But I am feeling ashamed as the people didn't respond to hartal by any means," he said.

He said Zafarullah Chowdhury also called hartal but he went to London after calling hartal. The minister said prices have increased all over the world due to war and coronavirus pandemic and prices of some import-oriented products also increased in Bangladesh.

But the people get relieved as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her government took measures for selling products at lower prices among low income group people and giving one crore family card, he mentioned.

BNP incited some dishonest traders but they could not be successful in making their evil acts due to this initiative of the premier, he said. "I respect our leftist brothers who are pro-Liberation force. But why they called that hartal and made them farcical, that is my question," the AL joint general secretary said.

Asked about taking steps against dishonest traders, Hasan said there is sufficient stock of essential items in the country. Now the country has the highest stock of rice in its history and it has stocks of all essentials commodities more than its demand of Ramadan, he said. The minister said if anyone tries to increase prices of essentials unnecessarily, the government will take actions.

Earlier, while extending greetings to daily Amader Somoy, Hasan said since its inception the national daily imbued with the spirit of Liberation War is playing significant role in presenting the picture of society.

He hoped the newspaper will also play role as a mirror of society in the days to come. Unique Group Managing Director Md Noor Ali, daily Amader Somoy publisher SM Baksh Kallol, editor Golam Mohammad Sarwar, journalists, officers and employees of the daily were present, among others. Marking the founding anniversary, a cake was also cut on the occasion.