PM blames BNP for recent 'secret killings'

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has accused the BNP of involving in recent “secret killings and instigating militancy” to destabilise the country. The prime minister brought the allegation while taking part in the discussion on proposed budget for fiscal year 2016-17 on Wednesday. She vowed that there was no room left for militant in the country. She said her government directed all the law enforcement agencies to bring all those involved in subversive and violent acts and their masterminds are under the purview of law and due legal steps will be taken against them. The prime minister criticised the BNP chairperson for raising question about killing of suspected militant Ghulam Faizullah Fahim in an alleged gunfight with police. “The militant was caught red-handed by locals while attacking a college teacher of Madaripur. Later, he was killed in crossfire or any other means…  But why Khaleda Zia sheds crocodile tears,” she asked. Fahim was killed on June 18 in an alleged gunfight with police hours after he was placed on a 10-day remand on charge of critically wounding a Hindu college teacher in Madaripur. Khaleda Zia alleged that Fahim was killed in a state-managed drama to hide the real fact behind the terrorist attack on the college teacher. Rampal, Rooppur power plants About coal-based Rampal plant near the Sundarbans, the prime minister made it clear that there was "no possibility of environment pollution" in the Sundarbans area. She said her government ensured proper waste management systems of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and Rampal coal-based power plant before taking project. There is no fear of repetition of Chernobyl disaster as more sophisticated nuclear power plant is being built now. “I do not know why they (who opposing the power plant near the Sundarbans) are against the power plant. Coal is being used for filtering water, but they are advocating that the coal will pollute the water and environment,” she said. Highlighting her government's various steps for development of the country, she said investment increased 44% in the country and more relaxed policies were adopted to attract more investment. About government’s success in power sector, the prime minister said some 73% people are now under electricity coverage and hoped that 100% people will enjoy power supply by 2021.