Govt’s ‘militancy’ propaganda scared Aussie authorities: BNP

Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Monday alleged the government’s campaign on militancy led to the Australian cricket team’s concern about security during their visit to Bangladesh, initially scheduled for Monday.
BNP spokesman Asaduzzaman Ripon at a news briefing at the party’s central office said some ministers, including information minister Hasanul Haq Inu, frequently frothed at the mouth about militancy, and broadcast stories about nabbing militants and seizing books on extremism.
As a result, the government has helped create an environment where there is lack of confidence in Bangladesh, he said.
Ripon said the government made an ‘ill-attempt’ to win the sympathy of the West by giving an impression that the incumbent are busy in ‘checking religious extremists’, to justify its stay in power.
He said BNP always pointed out that such propaganda at one stage would damage the country’s image and that prediction has now come to fruition.
Ripon said BNP was in agreement with the comments of two ministers that there is no militancy in the country.
The party spokesman said Bangladesh is a religiously tolerant state where there is no existence of religious extremism.
He said BNP hopes the Australia cricket team would reconsider its decision about visiting Bangladesh, adding that people of Bangladesh love cricket.
Ripon said the observation of the Australian Foreign and Commerce affairs directorate is not based on factual information.
Ripon said after the team defeated India, Pakistan, England and South Africa, the uncertainty over the Australia tour was a disappointment to millions of fans.
He said the government should remain alert to the negative impression about Bangladesh and its farsighted impacts. The government should take proper steps to build a positive image, he added.
Although the fear of Australian authorities is baseless, it might still contribute to raising fear among people, he said.
It is the responsibility of the government to assure not only foreigners but also people of the country about security.
Ripon said BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia expressed deep shock at the death of 770 Muslim pilgrims in the stampede during hajj and prayed for peace of the departed souls.
The party spokesman expressed shock at loss of many lives in recent traffic accidents before and after Eid-ul-Azha in Bangladesh caused by dilapidated roads.
BNP leaders Chowdhury Kamal Ibne Yusuf, Enam Ahmed Chowdhury, Shahjahan Milon, Habibur Rahman Habib, Abdus Salam Azad and Mozammel Huq, among others, were present.

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