Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud on Monday said the BNP leaders have been arrested for paying their activists to carry out secret attacks.

“The BNP leaders made phone calls to the ward level leaders and activists of the party for carrying out secret attacks and evidence is available over it,” he said, speaking at a views-exchange meeting with Bangladesh Climate Change Journalist Forum (BCJF), held at the Secretariat in the capital.

Talking about BNP’s remark about the Awami League’s intention to wipe out BNP, the Awami League leader said “We do not want to wipe out anyone and those who were arrested have specific allegations against them. The BNP leaders are being arrested as the instigators and financiers of arson attacks.”

He also urged people to take action against those involved in the surprise attack. Referring to the climate change issue, the minister expressed his doubt about the awareness level in such a situation.

Hasan also urged the reporters to publish reports on environmental issues and create awareness among people.