Dialogue can`t be held with the killers: Nasim

Awami League presidium member and Health and Family Welfare Minister Mohammad Nasim on Tuesday turned down BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia`s dialogue proposal saying that dialogue can`t be held with the killers, reports BSS.

"Understanding of any sort or dialogue can`t be held with the killers. There`s no benefit in holding useless dialogue of public exposure (showmanship). Understanding can`t be reached with those who rewarded the killers of 1971 and 1975," he said.

Mohammad Nasim said this while speaking as the chief guest at the discussion organised in observance of the 45th founding anniversary of the Institution of Diploma Engineers, Bangladesh (IDEB) at its auditorium at Kakrail in the city.

IDEB president AKMA Hamid chaired the discussion, also addressed, among others, by Samyabadi Dal general secretary Dilip Barua, CPB (Communist Party of Bangladesh) president Mujahidul Islam Selim, JP (Jatiya Party) secretary general Sheikh Shahidul Islam, JSD (Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal) executive president Moinuddin Khan Badal, MP and IDEB general secretary Shamsur Rahman.

Mohammad Nasim said, "Ideologically, we can`t reach understanding with BNP. Our objective is to try the killers of 1971 and the BNP`s target is to save the war criminals. Then you say how we could reach understanding with them?"

The senior Awami League leader said, "BNP chairperson used to say frequently about dialogue. But, they can never share the similar opinion on the basic issue. What would be their stance if dialogue is held on the issue of war crimes trial? From the very beginning, they are opposing the trial of the killers of 1971. Then, how an understanding could be reached with them sitting in a dialogue?"

Calling upon the pro-independence forces to forge a greater unity to strengthening the hands of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said, "Let`s join hands together who are loyal to the country`s independence to ensure the country`s progress and development under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina."

"Facing all the adverse situations, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been leading the country towards progress and development. Bangladesh has now been identified as a lower middle income country in the world. It was made possible owning to right leadership of Sheikh Hasina," Mohammad Nasim added.