Staff Reporter:
Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League (AL) Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud yesterday said BNP’s main intention is to undermine and destroy the constitutional continuity and democracy.
“BNP made the ill attempts in 2014. They had also tried to make 2018’s polls questionable. But now, the countrymen would resist them if they try to make any type of ill efforts,” he said, replying to a query of reporters at the meeting room of the ministry at the Secretariat here.
The minister said the upcoming elections will be held as per the constitution. And it is the Election Commission’s jurisdiction to declare election schedule, he said, adding that his party, the AL, is ready to take part in the polls.
Dr Hasan said BNP leaders can boycott the polls and any political party has the right to take part or boy-cott the elections. “But I personally think that if BNP is a responsible party, then they should take part in the elections as consolidating democracy is not only the responsibility of the government party. Every political party has responsibilities to consolidate and continue the democracy. But any party has the right to boycott the polls,” he said.
Terming the opening of the much-awaited elevated expressway by the premier is another milestone of the development, Dr Hasan said the country has changed under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in the last 14 and a half years.
In the beginning, the minister briefed about his visit to London where he joined the Parliamentary Secu-rity Intelligent Forum (PSIF) conference.
He also held meetings with forum Chairman and the US Senior Congressman Robert Pittenger, Co-chair and the UK Foreign Affairs Committee President Alicia Kearns.
Dr Hasan also held meetings with the UK Minister of State for Media, Tourism and Creative Industries Sir John Whittingdale, the US Congressman French Hill and the UK All Party Group of Parliament on Bangladesh Affairs President Rushanara Ali, MP.
In those meetings, they all praised the role of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for tremendous develop-ment, combating terrorism and militancy and giving shelter to the Rohingyas.
