Foreign Minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud today said that Bangladesh would have achieved greater progress during Awami League's 75-year journey if the BNP had not appeased anti-independence and communal forces.

Speaking to journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he emphasized the Awami League's pivotal role in the nation's development.

In celebration of Awami League's 75th founding anniversary, the party's Joint General Secretary Hasan Mahmud said that under the government of the Awami League, with the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as President, the great Liberation War of 1971 took place. "All sector commanders and Ziaur Rahman were employees with a salary of Tk 400," he said.

He lauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's leadership. "Bangladesh has become a global role model for development, transitioning from a low-income to a middle-income country," he stated.

Highlighting agricultural achievements, Mahmud said, "Bangladesh is second in freshwater fish production, third in rice and vegetable production, and ranks among the top ten countries globally for 14 agricultural products."

Expressing regret over ongoing challenges, he remarked, "Even half a century after independence, the Awami League still faces anti-national, anti-independence, and communal forces. If the BNP had not appeased these forces, the country would have progressed much further."

On corruption allegations against NBR official Matiur Rahman, Mahmud confirmed, "He has been removed from his post and is being removed from the Sonali Bank Board of Directors. An investigation is ongoing."

Regarding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's recent visit to India, Mahmud described it as "excellent, fruitful, and full of goodwill," adding that the Prime Minister will soon provide detailed information on the visit's outcomes.