PM's speech ruse to protect real terrorists: AL

Briefing newsmen at the Sangsad Bhaban last night, Opposition Chief Whip Abdus Shahid said: "We strongly protest and condemn such remarks by the prime minister."

Shahid alleged that the remarks were made with the intention to protect the real al-Qaeda and Taliban.

Shahid reminded the prime minister that the AL had a half-century old track-record of upholding non-communal and secular ethos.

In her budget speech, Khaleda termed the AL as 'al-Qaeda, Taliban, terrorists and killers'.

"She (AL President Sheikh Hasina) is making statements abroad against the country. She wants to create chaos and indiscipline in the country by spreading rumours about al-Qaeda and Taliban presence in Bangladesh. In fact, they (AL) are the al-Qaeda, they are the Taliban, terrorists and killers. We need to beware of them," Khaleda told the House.

Shahid also criticised the prime minister for accusing the AL of involvement in the huge ammunition seizure in Bogra recently. "They're charging the AL with it when the investigation is underway."

Khaleda earlier blamed the ammunition trade on the main opposition party.