Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has warned the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) not to play with people's lives 'like before'.

The AL leader made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at the distribution ceremony of fruits, vegetables and mustard seeds among the marginal farmers of Tungipara and Kotalipara at Tungipara upazila marking Sheikh Kamal's 73rd birth anniversary on Friday, according to a media statement.

He said if BNP wants to create anarchy in the country in the name of the movement, it would be handled with an iron hand. Not only that, if they (BNP men) play with people's lives by throwing petrol bombs as they did in the past, then we will face them in the field next September because now we are mourning as August is the month of mourning.

He also said that the BNP gave speeches at home and protested in front of the press club. But there were more crows in the trees than there were people at the BNP protest, added the minister.

But we should remain careful because the BNP is basically plotting against the country.

Awami League's relief and social welfare affairs secretary Sujit Roy Nandi presided over the distribution programme while Awami League organizing secretary SM Kamal Hossain and Gopalganj district Awami League general secretary Mahbub Ali Khan spoke as special guests.

The minister distributed 15 types of vegetables, fruits and mustard seeds among 1 thousand farmers of Tungipara and Kotalipara upazilas.

Read: Cry for fuel, electricity is a global reality: Hasan Mahmud

Earlier, the minister paid homage to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Tungipara in Gopalganj marking the day.

In commemoration of Bangabandhu's eldest son Sheikh Kamal, he said Sheikh Kamal will remain alive among the people for ages, as long as Bangladesh exists, through his actions during his short span of life.

Sheikh Kamal could have played a great role in the country's culture and sports arena, above all in leading Bangladesh, said Hasan and prayed for the eternal peace of his departed soul.