Ensure safety of teachers, minorities

Minority community leaders yesterday demanded resignation of Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen over statements they claimed he made while visiting India, regarding atrocities on minorities in Bangladesh.

Citing news reports, they said Momen held a meeting with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on June 22 in New Delhi. In that meeting, Momen reportedly told Doval that false propaganda is being spread over torture and attacks on Hindus and temples in Bangladesh.The Oikya Parishad termed the foreign minister's statements "absolute lies".

The community leaders said the foreign minister should take responsibility for this lie. Otherwise, if he is nominated in the next election, the minority  voters will boycott him.

They made the demands at an event in front of Jatiya Press Club, organised by Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad. They also urged the government to ensure justice for teachers and adopt a "zero tolerance" policy to protect minorities. Oikya Parishad presidents Ushatan Talukder, Nim Chanda Bhowmik and Nirmal Rosario spoke at the event.