Alamgir Kabir links militancy to BNP

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