Chattogram Correspondent

Terming BNP as more dangerous than Somali pirates, Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud said Somali pirates did not torture Bangladesh sailors and they did not burn people to death, but BNP kills people by burning them.

"BNP leader like Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury sometimes become more dangerous than the pirates of Somalia," said Hasan, also Joint General Secretary of Bangladesh Awami League (AL).

He said these while replying to questions of journalists about the comment of BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, "The pirates of Bangladesh are more angerous than the pirates of Somalia".

Earlier, the minister joined the opening ceremony of "Chatgaiya Eid Ananda Utsab' as chief guest at city's Laldighi maidan in the afternoon.

About BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir's statement that the country's people are in a lot of pain and sufferings, mass people could not celebrate Eid well, Hasan said Mirza Fakhrul has no peace in his mind so that he is making such comments.

The country's people celebrated this Eid with great joy and festivity, he said.

"People are still in Eid festival. Eid journey was very comfortable and smooth this time. This time, the number of accidents was comparatively low. People are celebrating Eid with great enthusiasm," Hasan said.

Replying to another question of journalist, the minister said there has been significant progress in rescuing the hijacked ship and its sailors.

"You (the people) will hear good news very soon. I can say that the sailors will be freed very soon. Inshallah, we will be able to free the ship. Significant progress has already been made," he said.

Chatgaiya Eid Anand Utsab organizing committee President Jaharlal Hazari, general secretary journalist Chowdhury Farid, councilor Rumki Sen Gupta, Md. Shahabuddin and leaders of the organizing committee were present.