Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today urged the BNP leaders to go to the countrymen instead of visiting foreigners.

“We see that BNP always visits foreigners including foreign ambassadors and different foreign organizations. But, the countrymen are the owner of the state and they are the owners of power. They will elect the public representatives. Ambassadors or representatives of foreign organisations have no rights to vote for anyone in this country,” he said.

The minister stated these while replying to a query of reporters at the meeting room of his ministry at Secretariat in the capital.

Hasan said it is also not appropriate to interfere in the internal issues of the country by the foreigners. But, BNP has always tried that the foreigners could interfere in the country’s internal matter, which is similar to undermining the image of the state, he added.

“I would like to urge the BNP to go to the countrymen instead of visiting the foreigners. And that will be better for the BNP,” said Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary.

The minister greeted the reporters on the holy Eid-ul-Azha, saying about eight lakh more animals were sacrificed this year than previous years and it proves that the economical capacity of the people has increased.

He said it has been possible to meet the demand of sacrificial animals through local farming. Even, the number of locally reared animals was much more than the demands and that’s why many animals were not sold, he added.

Hasan said it has been possible due to different pragmatic steps of the government.

Earlier, the minister unwrapped the cover of the book ‘Bangladesh Bodiwp Parikalpana 2100’ published by the Department of Films and Publications (DFP).

Information and Broadcasting Secretary Md Mokbul Hossain addressed the function as special guest while DFP director general SM Golam Kibria, Film Censor Board vice chairman Md Saifullah and DFP director Mohammad Ali, among others, were present.

Speaking at the function, Hasan said the government is not only marching ahead with taking short term plan, but also Bangabandhu’s daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina wants to build the country by taking long term plan. That’s why the government has taken plans for 2030, 2040 and the Delta Plan of 2100, he added.

He said the number of population of Bangladesh will be about 19 crore in 2050 while, according to a statistic, the number of population will be 15 crore in 2100. Bangladesh is the innocent victim of climate changes, he said, adding if there is no proper plan, it will be difficult to sustain the prosperity of the country, Hasan added.

The minister urged the DFP to publish the book in English also.

Mokbul extended his thanks to the DFP to publish the book.

He said the Delta Plan 2100 is a testament of the unique foresight of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to move Bangladesh towards sustainable development.