Torching buses was part of big plot of BNP, allies: Hasan

Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Friday said the torching of buses was part of a bigger plot of BNP and its allies aiming to destabilise the country.

“The torching of buses, TIB’s politically motivated report in the name of research and provoking statements from various quarters are part of a larger conspiracy of the BNP and its allies to destabilise the country,” he said.

Dr Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary, said this while talking to reporters at his official residence here.

In fact, he said, political stability is prevailing in the country, while COVID-19 crisis is efficiently dealt with under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which is being lauded across the world.

Bangladesh ranked among the few countries in positive economic growth amidst the coronavious epidemic, he added.

In the circumstances, the information minister said, buses were torched in the city on Thursday as part of a bigger plot to destabilise the country.

“As part of this conspiracy, TIB (Transparency International Bangladesh) released a politically motivated report and provocative statements are being made from various quarters. It is easily conceivable that the BNP and its allies were involved in burning the buses,” he said.

Responding to a remark of BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir over arson attacks on buses, Hasan said the country’s people know who torched buses and killed people throwing patrol bombs in the past.

He said the preliminary probe of police revealed that the way the buses were torched in 2013-14 was similar to the nine or 10 buses set on fire yesterday (Thursday).

The AL joint general secretary warned that the government prevented such sabotages with iron hand in the past and it is committed to foil all sabotages with the help of the people.

He urged the people to inform the law enforcement agencies immediately if they find any suspicious thing.

Hasan said his ministry has already requested the country’s people through media to remain alert against rumours that could destabilise the country.

Replying to a question, he said the telephonic conversation held between two BNP leaders proved that they were involved in torching buses.

“And Mirza Fakhrul has spoken the truth, saying the arson attacks on busses were planned. In fact, Mirza Fakhrul and other BNP leaders carried out the incident in a planned way,” he added.