BNP’s link to grenade attacks is as true as daylight: Quader

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today said BNP's involvement in the gruesome grenade attacks on the AL rally on August 21, 2004 is true like daylight and none can hide the truth.

"BNP cannot conceal the truth by hiding their heads in the sand like ostrich. BNP's involvement in the August 21 grenade attack is true like daylight and they will not be able to hide it," he said.

Quader, also minister for road transport and bridges, was addressing a virtual discussion, joining it from his official residence on parliament premises, arranged by Southeast University marking the National Mourning Day.

He said BNP gets angered when it faces the truth as patrons of evils of darkness cannot accept it.

Southeast University Vice-Chancellor Prof AFM Mafizul Islam chaired the virtual discussion while Bangladesh Bank former Governor Dr Atiur Rahman and the university's board of trustees Chairman Md Rezaul Karim addressed it among others.

The minister said many people are seen not abiding by health guidelines in proper manner at this stage of coronavirus outbreak and showing negligence in wearing facemasks but this laxity could push the nation to risk and "We may have to pay heavy price for that".

He reiterated his call to all to follow the health guidelines and maintain social or physical distancing properly to make the coronavirus preventive efforts stronger.

Quader said many people have been marooned due to onrush of flood water coupled with tidal water causing loss to assets and crops of people.

The AL general secretary urged the party leaders and workers and affluent people of society to stand by the flood victims to lessen their sufferings along with the government efforts.

He said the prime minister has already given necessary directives to the Disaster and Relief Ministry to reach relief goods to the flood-affected people within the quickest possible time.

About the resuming of educational institutions, the minister said the premier and the education minister will take decision to this end after reviewing the situation.

In the wake of the coronavirus, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is always thinking about the future of the students, he said urging the students to show patience as the government has to think of the risk of their lives under the current circumstance in resuming the schools, colleges and universities.