Eminent citizens’ statement over EC drafted at BNP office: Hasan Mahmud
The information minister added that when educated people blindly criticise the government like BNP, people wonder how educated people become uneducated so suddenly
Information Minister Hasan Mahmud, on Sunday, termed the recent statement by 42 of the country's eminent citizens on the Election Commission (EC) an echo of BNP's opinion.
He said the statement was drafted inside BNP's office.
He commented this while addressing a memorial meeting as the chief guest marking the 140th birth anniversary of Maolana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani at the National Press Club in the capital.
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Pragatishil National Awami Party (Pragatishil NAP) organised the meeting.
Hasan Mahmud, also the joint general secretary of Awami League, said, "If there is any question about the EC, it can be discussed in a friendly manner. However, the language used in the statement, to divert the attention of the country's people to elsewhere, was not intelligent at all."
Raising allegations of serious financial irregularities, corruption and misconduct against the present KM Nurul Huda-led Election Commission, 42 of the country's prominent citizens wrote a letter to President Abdul Hamid on 14 December.
Alleging that the present Election Commission has betrayed the Constitution, the blood of the martyrs of the Liberation War and Bangabandhu, the letter demanded the formation of a Supreme Judicial Council as per Article 96 (3) of the Constitution to remove the EC.
Hasan Mahmud said, "The eminent citizens who signed the letter are known as BNP-minded intellectuals. They always speak against the government. The BNP chairperson's adviser is also among them. As a result, their statement echoes BNP's statements."
Observing that criticism can be made against the government, he said it should contribute to the progress of the country. When the educated people blindly criticise the government like BNP, people wonder how educated people become uneducated so suddenly.
Referring to the recent press conference of BNP leader Major Hafiz Uddin, after he was sent a show cause notice by the party, the information minister told BNP, "Take care of your own house instead of grieving against Awami League. Those who cannot manage their own house will not be able to manage the country."
Presided over by Central Convener of Pragatishil NAP Parash Bhasani, the meeting was also addressed by Jatiya Party Presidium Member Sahidur Rahman Tepa, Member of Parliament Barrister Shamim Haider Patwari and other personalities.
