BNP showing interest on polls purpose: Hasan

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud Thursday said BNP leaders were not seen beside the distressed people during the Covid-19 pandemic rather currently they are showing interest over the elections. "They (BNP) were not seen in villages or other places to stand by the helpless people in any disaster. But, the leaders of BNP are now involving in different gatherings or events and they are trying to come near people only for elections," he said.

The minister stated these while addressing the triennial conference of Awami League Shilak union unit in Rangunia upazila of Chattogram through online from his ministry's office at Secretariat in the capital. Hasan said, "Where were they (BNP) when there was flood in the country and during the Covid-19 situation?"

He said the leaders of Awami League stood beside the countrymen during the Covid-19 epidemic under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hundreds of AL leaders and activists died while five AL Advisory Council members and many lawmakers died due to the virus, he added.

The minister said they (AL leaders & activists) all died due to standing beside the countrymen during Corona pandemic. Even, the leaders of AL harvested paddy of farmers across the country including Ranguia upazila and sent those to farmers' houses, said Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary. But, he said, no other part was seen at that time. And, currently, they are showing interest to come forward centering the polls, he added.

The country is marching ahead under the supervision of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said, adding that the vested quarters are busy in plotting conspiracies. Conspiracies are being held when the country is moving ahead and the fate of its people is been changed, he added. Even, he said, BNP secretary general has sent letters to foreigners to stop aid and to create barriers in export trade.

The minister urged the AL leaders and activists to elect the dedicated leaders and said Awami League is an organization of mass people. The party (AL) was involved in every movement and every achievement had come under the party's movements, he added. AL Rangunia upazila unit vice president Abdul Kayum inaugurated the conference while general secretary Engineer Samshul Alam Talukder addressed it as the key speaker.

AL Chattogram North Unit vice president Abul Kashem Chisti, organizing secretary Md Nazrul Islam Talukder and HN Bedarul Alam Chowdhury Bedar, among others, addressed the conference with AL Shilak union unit acting president Abul Hashem Master in the chair. Its acting general secretary Anowar Hossain Talukder conducted it.