BNP seeks govt explanation

Expressing deep concern over the report aired by Qatar-based news channel Al Jazeera, BNP has sought an "acceptable and credible" explanation from the government.

BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi made the demand through a statement yesterday. 

"Al Jazeera has aired a report titled 'All the Prime Minister's Men', which embarrassed and disturbed the people of Bangladesh. BNP is also deeply worried over the matter," the statement reads. 

It alleged that the government has tried to refute the report only through its statement and political rhetoric instead of giving people a clear explanation on each of the allegations raised in the report. "It's made people more concerned and deepened their anxiety over the allegations," it added.

The statement said, "Like the country's people, BNP is also waiting to get an acceptable and credible explanation from the government on every issue mentioned in the report."

Meanwhile, the foreign ministry in a statement has termed the Al Jazeera report "false, defamatory and a politically motivated smear campaign".

"The report is nothing more than a misleading series of innuendos and insinuations in what is apparently a politically motivated smear campaign by notorious individuals associated with the Jamaat-i-Islami extremist group, which has been opposing the progressive and secular principles of Bangladesh since its birth as an independent nation in 1971," the statement said.

Bangladesh Army Headquarters also denounced Al Jazeera's report, saying it is part of a move to break the harmony among different government organs.

Besides, Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader described the report as a "motivated propaganda" while Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said the government is looking into legal action against Al Jazeera for "spreading misinformation".