US Congressman Jim Bates informed Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Md Tazul Islam said some lobbying firms have been hired spending $7 million to spread propaganda against the 12th parliamentary election held on Sunday in Bangladesh.

Quoting Jim Bates, Md Tazul Islam revealed the matter to reporters at the secretariat on Tuesday (January 9).

Jim Bates, who came to Bangladesh to observe the general election, called on the minister at his office today.

“They believe that some lobbying firms have been recruited, spending $7 million to conduct propaganda [against the election],” Tazul said.

Asked about who hired the lobbyists, the minister said, “They did not mention it specifically and I did not ask either.”

Tazul said $7 million has been spent to create an unstable situation in the country.

They observed the polls and opined that a fair election was held here and there were no violent activities anywhere, he added.

BDST: 1816 HRS, JAN 09, 2024
MSK/SMS