BNP's statements on launch accident expose their political bankruptcy: Hasan

Sharply criticising the comments of BNP and other political party leaders, Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud Saturday said the comments of BNP leaders and its contemporary political parties over launch accident issue expose their political bankruptcy. "The accident is really very unfortunate. Investigation is going on and the real cause of the tragic incident will be revealed whether it was accident or sabotage through the investigation. Actions would be taken against the guilty," he said.

The minister added: "Preliminary assistance was provided to the victims' families on behalf of the Shipping Ministry and local district administration. Better treatment facilities have also been ensured for the injured people. The Prime Minister is monitoring the issue." The minister stated these replying to a query before attending a function of state owned television Bangladesh Television in city's Rampura.

BTV organised the function marking the 58th founding anniversary the television and turned it into HD (high definition) channel. Hasan prayed for eternal peace of the departed souls and conveyed deep sympathy to the bereaved families. The minister said the comments of BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and Mahmudur Rahman Manna are showing their political bankruptcy. "What will they say about the accidents of developed countries and previous accidents of the country?," he posed a question.

There is no relation between accident and politics, said Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary. He said it is really absurd to bring politics in everything. Manna has changed colour in politics for six times, he said, adding, "Was this happened for the lack of good governance? Many BNP leaders including Mirza Fakhrul have also changed the party. Were those happened for the lack of good governance? In fact, the statements are exposing their political bankruptcy," he added.

About BTV, the minister said, Bangladesh Television started its journey in 1964 and it was the first TV of Bangla language across the globe including the sub-continent. Later, television was also started in India, he added. He said the BTV is the old television and currently 45 TV licenses were given in the country under the supervision of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. A total of 31 TV channels are on air, he added.

Hasan said many media personalities and eminent journalists who are currently conducting private TV channels have begun their carriers from BTV. So, "BTV is the birth place of television channels. Currently, there are four channels of BTV on air and we are going to start more six channels before the next general elections. Viewers can see BTV, BTV Chattogram and BTV Sangsad without cable network across the country. They can see the channels with cable networks also. Viewers from all over the world also can see the channels through apps," he added. The minister informed that there are many plans to move the ahead of the state owned TV channel.

Earlier, Hasan inaugurated Bangabandhu Corner and an exhibition named 'Rangtulite Bangabandhu. Later, the minister addressed a discussion and inaugurated the HD activities of the BTV. Information and Broadcasting Secretary Md Mokbul Hossain and BTV former director general M Hamid, among others, spoke with BTV director general Sohrab Hossain in the chair.