Bangladesh no country for communal forces

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader yesterday said communal forces will not be given any scope to strengthen their footing in the country that attained independence through the Liberation War in 1971.

"Defamation of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's sculpture is an assault on the hearts of millions of Bangalees who believe in the spirit of the Liberation War," the minister told a press conference at his secretariat office in the capital.

Quader, also general secretary of Awami League, said vandalism of Bangabandhu's sculpture is a challenge of the radicals to the country's Liberation War and its achievements. Those who are patronising and funding from behind the scene to carry out such incidents will be found, he added.

Quader said many conspiracies were hatched against Bangabandhu, his family and the Liberation War in the past and conspiracies are still ongoing. Those who are making evil attempts to create instability in the country centring Bangabandhu sculptures will be resisted with an iron hand, he added.

Investigation is going on to look into whether there is any local or international political conspiracy behind the issue, he said.

Mentioning that the unity of the pro-liberation forces is very firm, the minister said they along with people of the country will resist all evil efforts unitedly.

Quader said communal forces are using religion in their evil acts against the spirit of the Liberation War.

By giving support to the evil activities, BNP has cleared its stance and the party has already proved that they are the patrons of anti-liberation forces, he added.

About the construction of Bangabandhu's sculptures at different places, he said some sculptures have lack of similarity with Bangabandhu's picture and in some cases, the designs have some flaws. He urged everyone to refrain from constructing Bangabandhu's sculpture without taking permission from the Bangabandhu Trust.

Asked about BNP secretary general's remarks that the government has turned the Election Commission into an organisation of the party, Quader said such comments are baseless and purpose-oriented.

"People have boycotted BNP both in movements and elections. That is why BNP is shifting its failures to the Election Commission," he said. "BNP's evil attempts are clear to people."

Earlier, Turkish Ambassador in Dhaka Mustafa Osman Turan paid a courtesy call on the minister at his office.

Quader said Bangladesh and Turkey have been maintaining friendly relations for a long time as the ties are established on mutual trust and respect.

He said both Bangladesh and Turkey believe in practicing liberal democracy.

The Turkish ambassador lauded Bangladesh's progress and economic uplift and development in social indexes. He also praised Bangladesh's efforts in facing the coronavirus situation.

Turan said process is underway to construct a sculpture of Bangabandhu in Ankara in Turkey and sculpture of Kemal Ataturk, founding father of the Republic of Turkey, in Dhaka as per a decision taken in 2018.

He said there are many sculptures across Turkey commemorating the country's history and culture but there is no controversy or difference of opinion centring those.

Quader hoped that the relations between the two sides will be further strengthened in economy, infrastructural development, employment sector and cultural arena.