Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday said seeking favour with foreigners on internal issues of the country is an anti-state act.

“No foreign country has the authority to change the government of this country and it is not their task as well,” he said while talking to reporters on the current affairs at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

In reply to a question about BNP’s proposed mediation of foreigners in political matters, the Information Minister said the political parties or leaders who curry favour with the foreigners from time to time about the affairs of the country and hold foreigners by the hand and feet, are engaged in anti-state acts.

He said only the people of this country have the responsibility or authority to elect the government of this country or to dismiss the government.

“'If we have any problem, we have to solve it. We solved it in the past as well. If BNP has any statement, they can say it to the Election Commission. If they have anything to say and they want to talk to the government, they can do so. But going to the foreigners on our internal issue is an anti-state act,” he said.

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Talking about the completion of two full tenure of President Md Abdul Hamid, the Information Minister said the grand farewell of a successful president and the swearing in of a new president have been possible thanks to the continued democracy in the country under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina.

Mohammed Shahabuddin was sworn in as the 22nd President of Bangladesh on Monday as 21st President Md Abdul Hamid completed her two five-year tenures successfully.

Hasan Mahmud said this is the first time in the country's history that a president has retired after discharging the charge for 10 years amid dignity. “This has become possible because the practice of democracy continues in the country under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina,” he said.

The information minister also exchanged post-Eid greetings with journalists at the time.