Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon. Star file photo

BNP issued threat through al-Qaeda yesterday and is now relying on foreigners, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon alleged today.

The minister made the comment while talking to journalists after visiting the under-construction Motel Shaikat in the Station Road of Chittagong this morning.

Bangladesh Parjatan Corporation is constructing the motel in the port city.

In its latest movement named “March for Democracy”, BNP wanted to bring several lakh people in Dhaka, but it could not assemble several hundred people," said Menon adding that there will be no gain out of playing the game of movements and protests.

“They (BNP) are now relying on foreigners and yesterday (Saturday) issued threat through al-Qaeda,” he said.

The people of the country are not afraid of the threats of al-Qaeda. But it is unfortunate that there are similarities between the speeches of al-Qaeda and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia," he said.

Asked about interim election, Menon said it will depend on the circumstances.

He reiterated the allegation that there is relation of international militancy with the movements of Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefajat-e-Islam.

Mentioning about the “mass uprise” called by al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri on Saturday, the minister said Hefajat tried to do the same on May 5, but it failed.