'Defeated forces, fascists conspiring'

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Saturday alleged that the defeated forces of 1971 and fascist elements of the past 17 years had joined hands to conspire against Bangladesh's people, democracy, independence and sovereignty.

"The defeated forces exploited and oppressed Bangladesh for the past 17 years. They are still engaged in conspiracies to destabilise the country," she said.
The state minister made the remarks while addressing a discussion as the chief guest, organised by Nagarkanda Upazila BNP to mark National Revolution and Solidarity Day at Shaheed Akramunnessa Girls' High School playground in Nagarkanda, Faridpur, on Saturday evening, BSS reports.

Referring to the historic events of November 7, 1975, Shama Obaed said Bangladesh had found a new direction under the leadership of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman at a critical juncture in the country's history.

She alleged that defeated forces had attempted to derail the nation and compromise its interests through conspiracies during that period.
"The defeated forces of 1971 and the authoritarian and fascist forces of the past 17 years have now united to conspire against the people of Bangladesh," she said.

The state minister alleged that these forces were continuing their conspiracies against the country's democracy, independence and   sovereignty in an attempt to undermine national stability.

Referring to the country's human rights situation during the previous 17 years, she said widespread violations had taken place under the previous regime, while those responsible were now delivering lectures on human rights from abroad.

Shama Obaed strongly condemned alleged attempts to instigate violence in Bangladesh from foreign soil, including arson attacks on buses and trucks that endangered innocent lives.

"Those who are playing with people's lives by orchestrating arson attacks on buses and trucks from abroad will not be tolerated by the government or the people of this country under any circumstances," she warned.

She stressed the importance of safeguarding the country's democratic achievements, independence and sovereignty against any attempt to create instability.

The discussion was chaired by Habibur Rahman Babul Talukder, former acting president of Nagarkanda Upazila BNP.
Leaders and activists of the BNP from different levels of its district and upazila units attended the programme.