Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu today called upon all to practice workers-friendly politics and run workers-friendly economy in the country to build a society free from discrimination and exploitation.

Inu, also president of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD-Inu), made the call while addressing a rally of Jatiya Sramik Jote (National Workers Alliance) at his party office in the city, marking the May Day.

Speaking as the chief guest, the Information Minister urged workers and people from all walks of life, including professionals, to remain united in protecting workers’ rights.

Inu also urged all to stay on front in the war against militancy so that Bangladesh can win in the war of combating militancy.

Pointing finger at those who are patronising militancy in the country, the Information Minister said, “Militants are the biggest enemies of the country, women and workers. We need to boycott them. We need to remain alert.”

The JSD leader placed a six-point demand, including equal wages for men and women, and ensuring rights of trade union for establishing workers rights in the country.

Shirin Akhter MP, who presided over the rally, said compensation can never be a substitute of a worker’s life.

She laid emphais on proper implementation of the Labour Act and ensuring safety for workers through stronger monitoring of mills and factories by the government.

Jatiya Sramik Jote general secretary Naimul Ahsan Jewel, vice president Saifuzzaman Badsha, freedom fighter Shafiuddin Mollah, Afroza Haque Reena, Rokonuzzaman Rokon and BCL leader Ahsan Habib Shamim, among others, spoke at the rally.

Later, a procession carrying red flags was brought out which paraded the adjacent areas led by JSD leader Inu.

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu today said a special tribunal will be formed after Eid-ul-Fitr for speedy disposal of cases against BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia for instigating arson attacks during the BNP-led alliance’s agitation since January.

“Khaleda recently led the arson attacks which killed more than 140 people... She is accused of mass killing. A tribunal will be formed after Eid to try Khaleda,” the minister made the comment while talking to reporters after inaugurating a new building of a school in Mirpur upazila of Kushtia this morning.

“If Khaleda Zia is able to prove her innocence, she will remain in politics, if not, then she must quit from politics,” Inu further said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said a special tribunal would be formed for the quick disposal of cases against Khaleda for instigating arson attacks during the BNP-led alliance's agitation for three months since January.

"There is a provision under section-27 of the Anti-Terrorism Act 2009 for constituting anti-terrorism special tribunals. The government has plans to set up such tribunals in line with the provision,” Hasina said in parliament in response to a question from a lawmaker.

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu was anonymously threatened with death through a package containing a shroud, said a ministry official today.
“Death to Inu who opposes Quranic law,” reads the handwritten inscription in red ink on a white piece of paper which was put with the plain white cloth, Shazzad Hossain, personal assistant to the information minister, told The Daily Star over phone.
The package was found on the stairs of the party office of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasad) in Bangabandhu Avenue in Dhaka in the morning, Shazzad said.
A photo of the minister enclosed in the shopping bag was marked with a big red cross on it, he added.
Policemen from Motijheel Police Station recovered the package after visiting the Jasad party office, the official said.
Law enforcers are investigating the matter, he added.   
On June 16, the minister and 23 other eminent personalities received death threats from the banned militant outfit Ansarullah Bangla Team.

Though there are many private television channels in the country, 83 per cent television viewers still watch Bangladesh Television (BTV), Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu told Parliament today.

"There're many private TV channels in the country and there're huge viewers, too. But there's no reason to get worried that BTV has lost its viewers," he said while responding to a starred question from independent MP Abdul Matin (Maulvibazar-2).

The minister further said, "BTV is still the most favourite channel as it has 83 per cent [of the total] viewers."

He said BTV is now airing more pro-people and popular programmes than any time in the past.

Inu also said BTV is also telecasting many time-befitting programmes dropping many old ones which helped increase popularity of the state-owned television channel.

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu today said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will be brought to book for “fire-bomb terrorism” and kept in Kashimpur jail.

“Khaleda Zia will not be spared,” the minister said while speaking at a conference titled ‘Uprooting terrorism: progress of democracy’ held at Col Taher Auditorium in Dhaka, reported the Prothom Alo.

“Jamaat and Khaleda Zia are like two peas in a pod. She won’t change,” Inu said while blasting the BNP chief for attending Jamaat’s iftar in the capital yesterday.

“Whether terrorism will have a place in democracy is a big question. Similarly, if Khaleda Zia will remain in politics is now a big question,” Inu added.

Addressing the conference organised by Dhaka city unit of Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), Inu accused Khaleda of following the path of Taliban in Pakistan and said she will not get the chance to fulfill her wish.