DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed the ministry for Foreign affairs to take necessary steps to stop overseas propaganda against Bangladesh.

She made the remark after visiting the ministry on Thursday morning. Minister AH Mahmood Ali, state minister Shahriar Alam, secretary Shahidul Haque, PM’s adviser Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury and other officials of the ministry were present then.

PM Sheikh Hasina said, “A vested quarter spreading propaganda against Bangladesh overseas and the foreign ministry have to take immediate steps to stop it.”

She also alleged that BNP-Jamaat has adopted the policy of ‘Scorched-Earth’ like Pakistan in 1971.

The premier added, Islam is a religion of peace and it has no connection with terrorism. But some people are tarnishing the image of Islam using it for militancy.

Sheikh Hasina also alleged that BNP-Jamaat introduced black part of diplomacy after assuming power though a controversial election in 2001 and brought shame for country declaring Salauddin Quader Chowdhury as candidate for OIC secretary general.

BDST: 1401 HRS, JAN 22, 2015