Dhaka: Awami League general secretary and minister without portfolio Syed Ashraful Islam, however, refrained from making any comment over his removal from the LGRD and Cooperatives Ministry when reporters sought his remarks in the issue after an Ifter party.  

The latest minister without portfolio Syed Ashraful Islam on Thursday urged Bangladesh Nationalist Party chairperson Khaleda Zia to stop spreading lies while fasting.

‘I call upon Begum Khaleda Zia to stop spreading lies while observing fast. Come to the path of peace. Stop arson attacks,’ he said while addressing an Iftar party arranged by Jubo League at Bangabandhu Avenue in the capital.

Ashraf, who on Thursday was made minister without portfolio after being relieved from the LGRD and Cooperatives Ministry on Thursday afternoon, asked the BNP chief to shun the path of deceptive politics. ‘Ensure that no one is killed in political violence anymore in Bangladesh.’

He also hailed Jubo League, the youth wing of the ruling Awami League, for its organisational capacity. ‘We hear many things (bad news) involving Chhatra League and Awami League as well. But we hardly hear anything about Jubo League. It’s the proof of its organisational capacity.’

Ashraf, however, refrained from making any comment over his removal from the LGRD and Cooperatives Ministry when reporters sought his remarks in this regard after the programme.

Ashraf alleged that Khaleda didn’t take part in the last parliamentary polls adding that but she created anarchy in the country and killed innocent people.

‘She has to repent for her sin in the soil of Bengal. She could escape with a few lies, but wouldn’t be able to escape by telling repeated lies,’ he added.

Observing that BNP has become a floating party, the Awami League leader also urged the party to take part in the next parliamentary polls to be held as per the constitution.

‘You (Khaleda) think that participation in the election would take you to power? But there is no guarantee in this regard. There is no place in democracy without taking part in the polls. If democracy is hindered, evil forces can grab state power,’ he added.