Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said that a lot of progress has been made in a short period of time in rescuing sailors held hostage by Somali pirates. Expressing hope for their release soon, he said that the anxiety that existed a few days ago is not there now.

The foreign minister said these things in response to a question from journalists about the Bangladeshi ship MV Abdullah and the sailors held hostage by pirates. Foreign Minister interacted with journalists at YNT Center on Dewanji Pukur Lane in Chittagong city on Wednesday.

Hasan Mahmud said, “I hope to free them soon.” However, it is difficult to say the date of rescue.

The foreign minister said, “We want to assure the families of the sailors that the government is making every effort.” First, negotiations are ongoing with the abductors through various parties. Secondly, psychological pressure is created on them (the pirates). The sailors are doing well, keeping in regular contact with their families, even talking on video calls. The concern that was there a few days ago, is not there at the moment.

In response to the question regarding the increase in activities of juvenile gangs in Chittagong and the death of a person in their attack today, the foreign minister said that the issue of juvenile gangs was discussed in the last cabinet meeting in an informal discussion. This gang is being formed in different district towns. The prime minister has directed that law enforcement agencies take appropriate action regarding them.

The foreign minister said that this is a new problem in the country, the government is working to eliminate it. Strict action will and is being taken against whoever is behind the gang of teenagers, whichever party he belongs to.

Awami League has destroyed democracy in the country and it is being propagated against Awami League all over the world – BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s joint general secretary Hashan Mahmud said in response to journalists’ questions about such statements, “those who are born undemocratic and constantly try to destroy democracy, That BNP now talks about democracy, this is sad. This is like a thief’s mother’s big throat.

Hashan Mahmud, wishing the countrymen a holy Eid-ul-Fitr through journalists, said, “A dishonest circle and some hoarders are always active to increase the price of goods before and during Ramadan in the country. This time too, he was not interrupted. BNP’s call for boycott of Indian products was newly added to it. Their aim was to destabilize the market, causing the price of goods to rise. But in view of the various measures taken by the government, the market was stable this time during Ramadan and the prices of many products have come down.