CHATTOGRAM, April 20, 2024 (BSS) - Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said BNP is claiming that the jailed criminals and those are being arrested everyday for terror acts are their workers.

Hasan, also Joint General Secretary of Bangladesh Awami League (AL), said everyday many people are being arrested for committing crime, theft, robbery, extortion and other terror acts in the country.

"The way BNP leaders Mirza Fakhrul and Rizvi Ahmed are claiming the arrested people as their leaders and workers, it seems that all the arrested criminals are their activists. But no case has been filed yet against BNP men as political activists.

Moreover, police and law-enforcing agencies are arresting only those who are accused of specific criminal charges that include arson terrorism, grenade attack, firearms smuggling and corruption," he added.

Dr Hasan told reporters after inaugurating the month-long 14th International Women's SME Expo-2024 organized by Chattogram Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CWCCI) at city's Railway Pologround here this evening.

CWCCI President Manowara Hakim Ali presided over the function while State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu, MP, spoke as special guest.
 
Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, Dr Hasan said the empowerment of women in Bangladesh in the last 15 years made by Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina is an example before the world.
 
"Our position in the political empowerment of women is fifth in the entire world and in the Pacific region is second," Hasan added.
 
The foreign minister said when BNP-Jamaat was in power they did nothing for the development of women, rather they left women behind.
 
Ahsanul Islam Titu said unprecedented development has taken place in Chattogram in the last 15 years under the leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter.
 
Dilowa Yusuf, MP, Shamima Haroon Lubna, MP, FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam and National Women's Association President Chemon Ara Tayab, among others, spoke on the occasion.
 
CWCCI Vice President and Expo Chairman Abida Mostafa gave the welcome speech.