DHAKA, Dec 21, 2021 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said BNP is the chief patron of anti-liberation and evil forces who are against the country.

     "Though it is regrettable, the truth is that BNP is the chief patron of anti-liberation forces. The country could have forwarded more during its 50 years of journey if BNP and Jamaat didn't do negative politics, conspiracies and spread propaganda against the country," he said.

     The minister stated these while addressing a discussion at Tathya Bhaban in the capital.

     Films and Publications Department (DFP) organised the discussion and movies exhibition marking the golden jubilee of the Independence.

     Hasan said, not only today, but BNP is the chief patron of the anti-liberation forces since its birth. BNP's founder Ziaur Rahman made Shah Azizur Rahman prime minister, who advocated for Pakistan at the United Nations as Pakistan's deputy leader during the Liberation War, he added.

     The minister said, "He (Azizur) told the United Nations that there was no war in the East Pakistan. Some Indian spies were making trouble there (East Pakistan)."

     Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary, said Ziaur Rahman made razakars as minister and lawmakers. Golam Azam got citizenship during his (Zia) wife Begum Khaleda Zia's tenure, he added.

     Even, the minister said, Begum Zia made Matiur Rahman Nizami and Ali Ahsan Mohammad Muzahid, who fought against Bangladesh and didn't want the country, as ministers.

     For this, it is needed to final fall of the anti-liberation forces to move the country ahead.

     Principal Information Officer Shahenur Mia, Mass Communication Department director general Bidhan Chandra Karmakar, Film Censor Board vice chairman Jashim Udddin and DFP director Mohammad Ali, among others, addressed the discussion with DFP director general SM Golam Kibria in the chair.

     Kibria, in his speech, paid rich tribute to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

     Earlier, the information and broadcasting minister placed wreaths on the coffin of Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra artiste Mushtari Shafi on the premises of the Central Shahid Minar in the capital.

     The minister said Begum Mushtari Shafi was a Freedom Fighter (FF) and her husband Dr Shafi was killed as he hide arms of FFs at his house. Brother of Mushtari was also killed, he added.

     He said Mushtari had practices the culture of the country in her entire life and she was also the president of Chattogram Udichi. The country has lost a dedicated cultural personality and an organizer of the Liberation War, said Hasan.

     The minister prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul and conveyed deep sympathy to bereaved family.