Alamgir Kabir links militancy to BNP
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Former state minister for women and children's
affairs Alamgir Kabir Monday accused the BNP and its
party office Hawa Bhaban of backing Islamic
militancy. |
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In an
interview with bdnews24.com, Kabir alleged some ministers,
deputy ministers and MPs from Rajshahi-Natore had ties
with militants.
Kabir who resigned from the BNP a day before the coalition
transferred power to the caretaker government said the
militants' patrons planned to establish "communal
politics" by stoking religious extremism in Bangladesh
that fits the Taliban in Afghanistan.
He said people should not explain away the rise of
religious extremism as a counterweight to a leftist
movement.
"It's not right to patronise militants to resist some
unruly leftists," he said. 'Setting a thief to catch a
thief' is not ethical, he said.
Kabir ruled out the allegation against him of fuelling
militancy. "It's all rubbish. I have been with progressive
politics all my life."
"I don't have a fascist, ugly and communal belief," he
said.
Kabir alleged that militancy in Bangladesh originated from
Bagmara in Rajshahi and government high-ups were involved
with it.
"How could the militants bring out processions with arms
in public if they are not backed by the government?" he
said.
The BNP expelled former MP from Bagmara Abu Hena for his
statement linking to militancy former post and
telecommunications minister Aminul Haque and deputy
minister for land Ruhul Kuddus Talukder.
Kabir refused to comment.
He described arson attacks on the leaders of the Liberal
Democratic Party as hallmarks of rising militancy in
Bangladesh.
"In fact, Hawa Bhaban was behind this."
--BDNEWS