The minister told the journalists that the incidents of corruption by Tarique Rahman and Arafat Rahman Koko were unearthed by a foreign intelligence agency and not by the government.

“A foreign intelligence agency gave testimony on corruption of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman, who was sentenced to life imprisonment after being convicted for various crimes,” he said.

Hasan Mahmud, also the Joint General Secretary of Awami League, made the remark while talking to journalists after addressing the first founding anniversary programme of the Dainik Somoyer Alo at the Officers’ Club in the city.

“When BNP was in power, they ran a parallel government creating the ‘Hawa Bhaban’ and its main task was to impose 10 percent toll on business,” he stated.

 “So, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s remark on corruption is applicable for his own party leaders,” he added.

The information minister said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government is running the country in a proper manner, so massive development is taking place in every sector.

“Bangladesh’s per capita income exceeded USD 2000 from USD 600 and we are ahead of Pakistan in social, economic and human indices,” he explained.

The AL government never interfered in court matters, Dr Hasan said, adding that BNP chief Khaleda Zia did not get bail after lodging a petition with the High Court.

“Begum Zia is not a political prisoner. BNP sought bail for her better treatment. But, she is being provided with advanced treatment at BSMMU. Considering this, the court did not give her bail, something which is within their jurisdiction,” the minister said.

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Md Enamur Rahman, Chairman of DBC24 channel Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, film actresses Rozina and Aruna Biswas, and Deputy Managing Director of Amin Mohammad Group Md Ramzanul Haque, among others, were present on the occasion.