BNP's behavior a threat to democracy: Hasan

Terming the behavior of BNP is a threat to democracy and the state, Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud Wednesday said BNP is ignoring the President, search committee and the dialogue as they don't believe in democracy. "In fact, their (BNP's) motive is to grab power through the behind door by hatching conspiracy and ruining the democratic process. And they won't accept the elections until the angel ensures them victory in polls," he said.

The minister told newsmen after prize distribution function among the winners of Dhaka OIC Youth Capital 2022 Award at Shaheed Captain Sheikh Kamal Auditorium at Jatiya Krira Parishad in the capital.

State Minister for Religious Affairs Faridul Haque Khan, State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid, Deputy Minister for Education Barrister Mahibul Hasan Chowdhury, Youth and Sports Secretary Mejbah Uddin and OIC Youth Forum President Taha Ayan, among others, addressed the function with State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Zahid Ahsan Russel in the chair.

Hasan said the search committee is following a remarkable process receiving names through discussion with different political parties, representatives of civil society and other eminent personalities and it (process) has created enthusiasm in the country. In fact, the President handed over his power to the search committee, he added.

He said the search committee will send 10 names to the President and he (President) will appoint five persons. "Even, BNP supported intellectuals told the search committee that BNP should come in the dialogue. But, BNP is telling the process 'no' from the very beginning," he added.

The minister said the search committee really deserves thanks from the countrymen as the way they are working with everyone. Even, the Election Commission doesn't form in such participatory manner in many countries including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and even in many countries of Continental Europe, said Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary.

Earlier in the function, the minister said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman made Bangladesh a member of OIC. "For this, we are able to organise different programmes of the OIC Youth Capital. Bangladesh has been able to take place in sports arena in the world due to the keen interest of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," he added.

"We are now becoming news of the world when our youth cricket team becomes world champion, when our women cricket team wins Asia Cup, when women football team defeats Pakistan by 11 goals and when the persons with disabilities wins award in Asian Olympic. It is possible for different steps taken by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina," he observed.

The minister extended thanks to the OIC Youth Forum to select Dhaka as the OIC Youth Capital and the state minister for Youth and Sports Ministry for organising the event. Later, the minister handed over prizes among the winners.

Later, Hasan inaugurated the stall of the Department of Films and Publications in front of Dhaka Academy at Ekushey Book Fair. He also unwrapped the covers of the books 'Sheikh Hasinar Joy Bishwer Bishmoy' of poet Aslam Sunny, 'Shahitthye Bangabandhu: Mohajiboner Kabbyo' of Dr Mazid Mahmud and Choray Bangabandhur Karajiban' of Faruque Hossain.

Bangla Academy director general Poet Muammad Nurul Huda, Sammilita Sangskritik Jote President Golam Quddus, lyricist Sujan Hajong, AL forests and environment secretary Delowar Hossain and writers of the books were present.