Terrorism not the path for true Muslims

Noting that the path of terrorism and suicide bombing is not the right one for a true Muslim, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said some elements with a perverted mentality were engaged in such misdeeds.

"Terrorism and suicide [bombing] is not the path of a real Muslim... killing people inside a mosque is not the way of a genuine Muslim. Those who commit such crimes are of perverted mentality," she told a joint emergency meeting of the Awami League Parliamentary Board and the party's central working committee at the Gono Bhaban.

The PM called upon youths, students and general pious people to make all aware of such crimes so that nobody gets involved in such offences.

"If it happens, there'll be attacks on the Muslims and their lives would get tormented. So, all will have to stay alert about such offences," she said.

ZIA, ERSHAD 'NOT EX-PRESIDENTS'

Hasina, also the AL president, said Ziaur Rahman and HM Ershad can no longer be called former presidents of Bangladesh as the country's apex court declared them illegal presidents.

"If Zia and Ershad are called former presidents, then it'll be a violation of the higher court's verdict," she noted.

She accused the BNP of playing double standards with joining polls under the AL government.

The premier said she wanted to see whether Khaleda Zia's party takes part in the December 30 municipality polls. "If they participate, they'll not be able to say that they don't join polls under the present government. It would be a great loss for the BNP if they boycotted."

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, AL General Secretary and Public Administration Minister Syed Ashraful Islam said holding the ensuing local government polls in a free, fair and neutral manner is a challenge.

Members of the AL parliamentary board and the party's central working committee were present.