Govt using JMJB to suppress left forces: Menon

The law and order is not improving as Four-Party Alliance is patronising terrorists and fundamentalists, he said while addressing a rally at Uzirpur Bandar Bazar, organised by his party in observance of 'anti-terrorist day' on August 17. Menon was seriously injured in an attack by terrorists in Barisal on August 17, 1991.

Menon alleged that fundamentalists are creating chaos in the country. They and the cadres of Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh (JMJB) led by 'Bangla Bhai' are patronised by the government to suppress 'left progressive forces', he said.

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"Those who tried to kill me on August 17 thirteen years ago have not yet been nabbed. Moreover, Comrade Babu Lal Shil, Dr. Hiralal Shil and some other left politicians have been murdered in the last few months", Menon said.

The Workers Party president alleged that the government has not only failed in flood disaster management but is also using the calamity to serve vested interests.

Corruption and nepotism are going on in the same of relief and rehabilitation of the flood affected people, he alleged.

He demanded interest-free loans and free seeds and fertilizers for flood affected people including betel leaf planters, weavers and fish farmers and suspension of loan realisation.

He said the government assurance of free distribution of 5 kg Aman seeds and 25 kg fertiliser to each affected farmer is a hoax. These are yet to reach most of the farmers, he claimed.

Menon also demanded immediate steps to control erosion by Sandhaya, Sugandhya and Arial Kha rivers of the region.

The meeting was preside over by WP leaders Ishaq Sharif and addressed by Abdus Sattar, Nazrul Huq Nilu,Bazlur Rahman,Bishwajit Baroi,Chhatra Moitri President Rafiqul Islam Sujan, Union Parishad Chairman Abul Kalam Azad Badal, Tipu Sultan, Zakir Hossain Farahin, Farid Hossain, Shamim, HM Harun and Anwar Hossain.