RANGPUR, May 10, 2022 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said firing by Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary General Dr Redwan Ahmed in retaliation of throwing a watermelon in Cumilla needs to be investigated whether BNP's top leaders are behind it.

"Israeli soldiers generally open gunfire in response to pelting brickbats by Palestinian children, but, Redwan Ahmed opened gunfire against pelting a watermelon, not even a brickbat. And BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir tried to justify it (firing) and made various comments," he said.

"Now, the incident needs to be probed whether Redwan Ahmed opened gunfire at the directives of the BNP secretary general or other top leaders," the minister said.

Dr Hasan, also joint general secretary of the ruling Awami League, made the remarks while replying to a question from local journalists on Rangpur Circuit House premises in the afternoon.

Noting that the incident is under probe, he said, the truth will be revealed through proper investigation and actions will be taken against those found guilty.

Speaking about recent statements issued by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), Dr Hasan said, "Nowadays, TIB issues statement frequently. Recently, an incident took place centering a travelling ticket examiner (TTE) of railway in midnight while the TIB issued a statement in the morning without taking proper information over the incident".

"No difference is found between TIB and BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. TIB issues statement before any incident takes place like Rizvi," the AL leader added.

Later, the information minister attended the triennial conference of Rangpur Mohanagar Kotwali Thana Awami League in the Town Hall auditorium in the city.

AL Presidium Member Shajahan Khan, MP, addressed the council as the chief guest while Rangpur City AL President Safiur Rahman Safi inaugurated it with Vice-President of Rangpur city AL Kaiser Rashed Khan in the chair.

HN Ashequr Rahman, MP, AL Organizing Secretary Sakhawat Hossain Shafiq, central working committee members Advocate Hosne Ara Lutfa Dalia and Advocate Safura Begum Rumi addressed the council as special guests.

General Secretary of Rangpur city AL Tushar Kanti Mandal addressed the conference as the key speaker.