Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud, also Joint General Secretary of the ruling Awami League on Friday said that BNP leaders do not understand the essence of connectivity.
'The BNP was also against the submarine cable. No wonder they do not get what regional connectivity is," he said.
He made the remarks at an expanded divisional meeting of the Awami League in Nilphamari on Friday afternoon.
Regarding criticism by BNP leaders about connectivity MoU, he said their criticisms do not reflect an understanding of connectivity issues.
He questioned whether any country had lost sovereignty due to connectivity with India, and mentioned agreements for electricity import from Nepal as examples of beneficial regional connectivity initiatives.
"We are working on economic development in this region with other South Asian countries. BNP neither understands the essence of this connectivity nor the discussions around it," said the Foreign Minister.
Regarding internal party dynamics, he urged those feeling disillusioned after consecutive electoral defeats to overcome their frustrations.
The Foreign Minister also commented on the weakness of BNP and its international connections post-election, remarking on global endorsements of Sheikh Hasina's government by leaders of 81 countries and international organizations, including the UN, Commonwealth, OIC, EU, and the Commission.