DHAKA, April 7, 2023 (BSS) - Lashing out at BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir's statement on Bangabazar inferno, Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said that BNP always plays with fire as people have seen them (BNP men) in past.

Noting that the recent statement of BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir is irresponsible, Hasan, also Awami League (AL) Joint General Secretary, said: 'BNP plays with fire. In 2013-14, Mirza Fakhrul Saheb and their people burnt people with fire. They also burnt the properties of the country".

The minister was talking to journalists during an iftar mahfil organized by Chittagong Journalists Forum, Dhaka (CJFD) at Sandwip Bhaban in city's Fakirapool area as the chief guest.

Responding to a query regarding statement of BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Hasan said: "Fakhrul Saheb spoke in the morning that if there is an investigation, the persons involved in Bangbazar fire will come out."

Such an irresponsible and awkward statement cannot be expected from the Secretary General of a party like BNP," he added.

He called for investigating the recent explosions and fires in various places and urged the authority concerned to quiz Fakhrul Saheb also.

"Since Fakhrul Saheb has given such statement so he also needs to be interrogated," he added.

Then proper information will be disclosed, he said, adding: " I would request (Fakhrul Saheb) not to say such things being a senior politician."

Hasan said the incident that happened in Bangabazar is very sad.

"The Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been monitoring it round-the-clock and already given proper instructions to the Dhaka South City Corporation for on-site investigation of the incident, rehabilitation of the victims and safe permanent structures," he said.

Besides, the AL men stand by those in danger, said AL Joint General Secretary.

Noting that the role of journalism is very important in the development of the society and the country, the information minister called upon journalists to highlight the wonderful development of the whole country including Chittagong.

Hasan said that it is necessary to highlight the success of the government to encourage good work.

He urged all to make constructive criticism so that mistakes can be corrected for the development of the people and the country.

With CJFD President Mamun Abdullah in the chair, the event was attended, among others, by AL Relief and Social Welfare Secretary Aminul Islam Amin and lawmakers Mahfuzur Rahaman Mita and Shaimum Sarwar Kamal as special guests.

CJFD General Secretary Tawhidur Rahman conducted the programme while former President of CJFD Shaheen Ul Islam Chowdhury, Senior Journalists Saif Islam Dilal, Mezbah Uddin Jongi Chowdhury and Mustafa Kamal and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Jamuna Television Fahim Ahmed were also present, among others.