Attack part of a plot and BNP backing plotters

Ruling Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader termed Saturday's attack on Prof Muhammed Zafar Iqbal “conspiracy” and alleged that BNP is patronising the conspirators.

On the other side, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the attack came in the aftermath of ongoing “misdeeds” of the government and would remain as its worst chapter.

The two top leaders of the arch-rival parties came up with their remarks yesterday.

Quader was talking to reporters while distributing leaflets in the city's Baitul Mokarram Market area to make successful the AL's public rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on March 7. Mirza Fakhrul, on the other hand, issued a press statement over the attack.

Quader said, “It is already clear who are behind the attack. It is true that the attack is part of conspiracy and BNP is patronising those who are conspiring. BNP is trying to create confusion in people's minds, they are not working for the country's interests.”

Quader, also minister for roads, transport and bridges, said the attack on Dr Zafar Iqbal is a sign that an evil force is out there to create instability in the country.

“The attacker said he launched the attack on Prof Iqbal as he is anti-Islamic, but we do not know of any such fact that the professor has ever done anything against Islam,” he said.

“The communal forces are lurking underground. They are showing their existence at times.”

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is deeply concerned and she herself is monitoring the treatment of Zafar Iqbal, Quader added.

In his statement, Mirza Fakhrul said, “The people, who knifed Zafar Iqbal, are the enemy of the society. The attack will remain as the worst chapter of the government.”

Fakhrul also expressed his party's strong condemnation and protested against the attack launched on the widely respected teacher.

People of different professions like artists, novelists, scientists, doctors, teachers, students, journalists and engineers are passing through a tough time amid the misdeeds of the government, he alleged.

“It is tough to maintain peace and stability amid the prevailing misdeeds,” the BNP leader said, adding that terrorists have become desperate due to the culture of impunity.

Fakhrul termed the attack a part of deep-rooted conspiracy and said it would remain as the worst chapter of the government.

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu has meanwhile said the attack proves that militant and terrorist groups are still active and are unlikely to move back.

The minister came up with the comment while talking to reporters after visiting the injured professor at the Combined Military Hospital yesterday.

“No-one will be spared if they patronise the terrorist groups,” he said.