DHAKA: Information Minister Hasanul Haque Inu on Wednesday categorically said General Ziaur Rhaman, HM Ershad and Khandaker Mushtaq Ahmed were not legal President of the country.

“According to the verdict of the court, Ziaur Rahman, HM Ershad and Khandaker Mushtaq Ahmed were not the legal Presidents of the country as they assumed power,” he said.

He came up with the assertion while addressing an annual general meeting of sub-editors council as the chief guest at National Press Club in the afternoon.

The minister, also lawmaker, criticized BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia for her remarks that General Zia was the first President of the country.

Inu told his audience that the journalists are playing an important role in building the nation and protecting democracy by doing objectives journalism. “Sub-editors are the pioneer of the objective journalism,” he observed.

BDST: 1643 HRS, APR 02, 2014