DHAKA, April 5, 2022 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said the critics, who were vocal after the US sanction on some officials, have become silent after the USA President sent a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

"The US President Joe Biden has sent a letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina marking the 50 years of diplomatic relations of two countries. In the letter, he (Biden) praised Bangladesh's development and progress mentioning the country as a role model before the developing world," he said.

The minister added: "He (Biden) also said that Bangladesh and the United States are working in many sectors including protecting peace in the world, controlling terrorism and assisting Rohingyas together. Joe Biden hoped that the friendly relations would increase in next 50 years and beyond."

Hasan stated these while exchanging views with journalists at the meeting room of his ministry at the Secretariat in the capital.

He said the letter proved that the relations between Bangladesh and the USA are fantastic and those would increase in future. "The US is our development partner and the country (USA) has important role in the way of our progress. The relations will be strengthened further in future and those would keep a vital role in country's (Bangladesh) development," he added.

He said the US praised the role of RAB (Rapid Action Battalion) in controlling terrorism and militancy just after one week of posing sanctions on some officials of the force. The two countries are working on this issue and discussions are going on about withdrawal of the sanctions, said Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary.

Replying to a query over BNP leaders' comments, the minister said BNP feels uneasy when people get relief. The government has distributed one crore family cards, he added.

He said BNP is giving statements regularly on commodity prices through press conference. On the other hand, they are encouraging the dishonest traders to increase prices of commodities, he added.

Replying to another query of BNP leaders' comments, he said the court is giving verdict against many lawmakers of Awami League as the country's law and the court are independent. Even, they were sent to jail, he added.

On the other hand, the minister said, many BNP leaders including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir get bails as the law and the court are working independently.

Over giving subsidy in power sector, Hasan said the prices of power would have increased if the government did not give subsidy. Subsidy is given considering the common people's problems, he added.