It was the BNP regime who started and patronized the casino culture, said Information Minister Hasan Mahmud.
His remarks came while briefing the media on Tuesday (Sept 24) prior to attending a youth carnival organised by Publicity and Publication Sub-committee of Awami League at Shilpakala Academy in Rajshahi.
Mahmud said that many of BNP’s top leaders were behind the business and added that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has launched stringent drives against narcotics and other crimes and these people will be brought to book in phases.
“The BNP established ‘Hawa Bhaban’ and got ten percent commission from the business,” he said, adding that the acting chief Tarique Rahman had been sentenced to ten years imprisonment for his involvement in such activities.
Political Adviser to the Prime Minister HT Imam who was also present said that many people whose names have so far appeared in casino business investigation, were patronized by BNP leaders.
He added that most of the wrongdoers, whose names have appeared in the media had “infiltrated the Awami League from BNP and its associate bodies.”
Saying that the Awami League is a clean and transparent political party, HT Imam added that the current drives are not against the ruling party and steps will be taken against all the infiltrators as soon as possible.
Responding to queries on journalists not being allowed to enter the Rajshahi Medical College Hospital since 2014, he said that he was not aware of the matter and would speak to the authorities.