During an event commemorating Police Memorial Day-2024 in Dhaka, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal dismissed Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) claims about the presence of numerous political detainees, stating that only BNP activists are currently incarcerated.
The minister made these remarks while responding to journalists' queries at the Police Staff College in Dhaka on Saturday afternoon.
He clarified, "We do not have any political prisoners. Those detained are individuals involved in various criminal activities such as vandalizing the chief justice's residence, assaulting law enforcement officers, attacking Ansar members, and engaging in violence against women. Legal actions have been taken based on video evidence, and those found guilty are in custody."
Regarding BNP's role in the 2014 elections, the minister accused the party of attempting to disrupt the electoral process through anarchic activities and arson, highlighting a decline in their parliamentary seats over time.
Minister Khan emphasized that imprisonment is linked to specific criminal activities rather than political affiliations.
He criticized BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman for controlling party politics from abroad, which has led to disunity within the party and affected the overall political landscape.
Minister Khan also praised Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership, expressing confidence in the country's positive trajectory as long as she remains active in politics.
In defense of the fairness of Bangladesh's electoral process, the minister highlighted the conducive environment created by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, commending the Election Commission for impartially conducting elections.
He refuted claims of unjust arrests or political motives behind them, accusing BNP of spreading baseless propaganda and fabricating information to attract foreign attention after the elections.
The minister highlighted positive assessments of the election by foreign journalists and organizations, rejecting notions of opposition suppression as false and part of a deliberate effort to create a narrative of conspiracy.
He asserted that BNP is spreading false information and confusion, emphasizing that the events described by them did not occur in the countries they claim, and most nations appreciate Bangladesh's fair electoral process.
Comment: