Indian journos acclaim Bangladesh's steps in tackling communal forces: Hasan

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said on Friday the Indian journalists lauded the steps of the Bangladesh government taken in resisting communal forces.

He said this while exchanging views with reporters at his Minto road official residence in the capital after returning home from India.

Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary, said he inaugurated the Bangabandhu Sangbad Kendra at Kolkata Press Club and met West Bengal Legislative Assembly Speaker Biman Benerjee apart from talking to reporters.

He said there were many questions from the reporters of Kolkata over the incidents taken place in Bangladesh during Durga Puja.

"I informed them in detailed about the Bangladesh government's stance to foil the evil efforts of BNP-Jamaat and other communal forces resorted to destroying communal harmony.

Indian newspapers, radios, televisions and online portals released news on his statements, he added.

About the comments of BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir over his party's participation in elections, Hasan said when elections approach, the BNP usually says it would not join polls.

He said the BNP did not join the 2014 general election and it participated in the 2018 polls, although it was in dilemma.

If the BNP does not participate in the next general election, it will cause harm to the party, the AL joint general secretary said.