Work to stop anti-state propaganda abroad: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday asked the Bangladeshi diplomats posted abroad to work against anti-state propaganda so that the international community won’t be misled due to the falsehood.

“I would like to tell the Foreign Ministry that you should inform our envoys about propaganda. If so, confusion can’t be created. We should be more active particularly in the places of international organisations,” she said.

The prime minister gave the directive, while addressing the Conference of Bangladesh Envoys in Europe, held her place of residence here in Rome, the capital city of Italy.

Some 15 Bangladeshi envoys stationed in European countries participated in the event.

She said some people are carrying out propaganda against the country, taking shelter in foreign lands after committing crimes in the country.

She said there are some people who could never take the country to a dignified position. Some people are there, who took shelter abroad fleeing the country after committing crimes. Some of them are convicted or criminals, she added.

The PM said they are spreading misinformation against the country continuously staying abroad. “Everyone should be vigilant against them,” she added.

Criticising BNP, she said they siphoned huge money off the country and so they are capable of spending thousands crore of money against the country. “How much they have! They are leading lavish life, carrying out false propaganda and misleading the people,” she said.

Mentioning that the foreigners often get confused by misinformation, she said   there are one or two countries that are busy with how to remove the Awami League before every election.

“In addition, we have to hear about human rights from those who shelter the murderers as well as the people involved in arson attacks, terrorism, militancy,” she added.

The prime minister said that they are busy with the protection of human rights of those accused of arson terrorists, but don't care about the victims, relatives or those who were burnt.

Regarding the sanctions against RAB, the PM said "unfortunately, sanctions are imposed on those who worked in curbing terrorism and militancy. Due to this, they lose their confidence."

She went on saying that they are raising voice for human rights protection on the one hand, and advocating for the human right violators on the other hands. The double standards continue worldwide.

PM Hasina also mentioned her government's stance regarding zero tolerance against terrorism and militancy.

She said that if human rights are preserved, it is done by the Awami League, and those who speak about human rights, they kill people.

Without mentioning the name of the country, Hasina said the murderers who shot and killed her parents, brothers, relatives and family members are still at large in that country.

Despite repeated requests, she said, they didn’t send back the killers to Bangladesh. “Giving protection to the violators of human rights, and going against those who preserve human rights, I see it as a game.”

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and PM’s Private Industry and Investment adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman were present in the conference.

The PM is now in Rome to attend a UN food summit.