DHAKA: Food Minister Quamrul Islam on Thursday said he would leave politics if BNP could wage anti-government movement with the involvement of the common people.

The ruling Awami League lawmaker came up with the challenge while addressing a discussion on existing political situations at the National Press Club in the morning.

He also said, “BNP won’t be able to involve people with their so-called anti-government movement because people are not fools.”

Quamrul, also a joint secretary of Dhaka City unit Awami League criticized the speech of Khaleda Zia at Munshiganj rally.

He said some people of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) may be corrupt but the whole force should not be penalized and abolished for that reason.

Ziaur Rahman was killed by Army personnel but the Army had not been disbanded, he added.

Regarding the seven murder case of Narayanganj, he said the premier directed to ensure highest punishment to the responsible persons bringing them under trial.

The investigation of the case is underway and will be unveiled soon to penalize the criminals, he added.

The food minister also asked BNP chief Khaleda Zia to get prepare for the next election in 2019 under the incumbent premier.

He warned BNP that before the upcoming election the party should leave (Pakistan intelligence) ISI otherwise people will boycott them.

BDST: 1600 HRS, MAY 29, 2014