Former Communication Minister Barrister Nazmul Huda has strongly protested against the news published in "The Daily Star" on February 2 under the heading 'Graft allegations against Huda, Mamoon to be probed."

In a statement issued to the press Barrister Huda warned The Daily Star Editor Mr. Mahfuz Anam of legal action for compensation and damages for continuously publishing libelous statement against him despite the fact that in an unambiguous term he refuted the allegation raised against him several times before.

I hope Mr. Anam will not compel me to inform the nation as to what charges of corruption was brought against his late father Mansur Ahamed when he was a minister. "I think the first job of anti-corruption should be to take account of Mr. Anam's wealth which he amassed through his several mischievous venture under one or the others NGO's and through blackmail as a journalist.

He must give it out publicly as to what assets he had when he was a mere employee of UNESCO and what he possesses now both moveable and immoveable after he became a so called journalist." "What does he think? Does he think that he has risen above the law by becoming the editor of a widely circulated newspaper "The Daily Star" owned by Mr. Latifur Rahman?" Huda asked.

Huda urged Anam not to scandalise him anymore particularly in respect of allegations which he has refuted several times earlier and await the result of the enquiries if any and consequential action if any under the law of the land when and if recourse is taken against him by the appropriate agencies.

"I think Mr. Anam would do a great service to the nation if he had concentrated an the several cases of corruptions which still remain unresolved since the days of liberation of Bangladesh including the one against his near and dear ones. He should refrain from using offence as the best defense" urged Huda.

First of all Mr. Anam should prove his honesty as a journalist by publishing my this statement in the same prominent space where he published the statement protested against.