Rizvi’s statement over Aug 21 grenade attack is contempt of court: Hasan

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday said the statement of BNP leader Ruhul Kabir Rizvi over the August 21 grenade attack is a contempt of court, challenge to the court and a criminal offence.

“The statement of BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi is direct contempt of court, challenge to the court and a criminal offence. I think that it is needed to take legal actions to this end. I also think that action should be taken against him for two reasons — contempt of court and a criminal offence,” he said.

The minister told reporters at the meeting room of his ministry at the Secretariat in the capital, reports Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha.

Hasan said a case was filed over the August 21 grenade attack, a lengthy judicial process has been completed through a detailed investigation, and the trial was completed on the basis of evidence. Many were given capital punishment at the trial while their (BNP) acting chairman Tarique Rahman was sentenced to life imprisonment, he added.

The minister said it is a court of contempt and a criminal offence to talk about the settled issue by the court.

Replying to a query over a new time frame of government offices, the minister said the step has been taken temporarily for reducing load shedding at villages to facilitate irrigation. Paddy cultivation of the season depends on irrigation and sunlight, said Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary.

He said irrigation was not needed at this time, but due to insufficient rain this year, farmers are unable to plant paddy and other farming activities. Now, the electricity is needed for irrigation, Hasan added.

The minister said such steps of saving electricity have also been taken across the globe including in the developed nations. Supplying electricity for hot water has been stopped at European countries while schools are open for three days in the United Kingdom, he added.

Earlier, the minister unwrapped the cover of a book on historical March 7 speech written by poet, journalist and Sofen Foundation founder Dr Khan Asaduzzaman.

In his speech, Hasan said the speech of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on March 7 is a timeless speech in global history. The whole nation was inspired through the speech and UNESCO has recognised the historical March 7 speech as a document of world heritage, he added.

The minister extended thanks to the writers, publishers and others for publishing the book.

Department of Films and Publications director general SM Golam Kibria Bhuiyan, Freedom Fighter Majibur Rahman Maznu and FBCCI central committee member Rana Chowdhury, among others, were present at the function with Sofen Foundation vice chairman of former DIG of Bangladesh Police Freedom Fighter Md Golam Kibria Bhuiyan in the chair.