Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud today said Begum Khaleda Zia is a convicted accused and she is supposed to be in jail, not outside.

The Prime Minister has shown her unprecedented generosity to Begum Zia giving her release from jail. Family members and even the BNP leaders can meet with her regularly, he said.

Dr Hasan said this while replying to a query of the reporters after a meeting in the ministry with the leaders of Confederation of Film, TV and Digital Media Professionals.

“If the Prime Minister withdraws her order of allowing Khaleda Zia to stay outside the jail then BNP leaders would realize how much generosity Sheikh Hasina has shown to Begum Zia,” Dr Hasan said.

President of the confederation Sadek Siddiqque, general secretary Zafar Apu and leaders Iftekhar Ali and Salam Chowdhury, among others, were present.

The information minister said Begum Khaleda Zia certainly would not have shown the greatness if she was in power. Even, Khaleda Zia didn’t meet Sheikh Hasina when the Prime Minister visited her house to console her at her son’s death.

In a mockery Begum Zia celebrates her fake birthday on the martyrdom anniversary of Bangabandhu on August 15 by cutting cake, he said adding that Begum Zia also showed her utter ridicules after grenade attacks in 2004.

Replying to another query over anti-state propaganda, Hasan Mahmud said BNP’s paid agents are spreading rumours abroad. They were spread rumour that there were no money in the country’s banks, he said adding, for this, many common people have withdrawn their savings from the banks.

In fact, he said, those rumours are against the state, not against the government. BNP and their paid agents are spreading the rumours, he added.

He said there is no benefit of spreading rumours as the government is working in controlling the rumours.

Pointing out recent inter conflict between two rival grops pf BNP the minister said such incidents have taken place in different places across the country.

On the other hand, Dr Hasan said, the government is ensuring their security in the rallies of BNP where they are demanding fall of the government. Even, they are carrying out attacks on police and innocent people, he said.

Sadek Siddique said conspiracy is being carried out against the country. A vested group is trying to frustrate democracy, he added.

Urging all to remain alert against the conspiracy, he said the confederation would play role to continue the country’s progress under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Later, Sadek handed over a letter containing nine-point demand to the information minister.

Dr Hasan gave assurance to fulfill most of their demands. According to BSS reports