"Taking advantage of press freedom, some media outlets have been propagandising fake issues like human rights violation, emergence of fundamentalist forces and repression of minorities," Saifur said addressing a meeting of grassroots leaders of ruling BNP here yesterday.

He said, "A section of print and electronic media is carrying out a foul propaganda against the government in a planned manner. Such things should be protested."

The minister said Bangladesh is on a good footing now, as the government has achieved a lot. But, he alleged these achievements are not getting their due publicity, and called upon the BNP activists to raise their voice against all this.

The grassroots convention of Sylhet division BNP held at Sylhet Stadium saw as many as 42 speakers.

Some of the grassroots-level leaders complained against price hike of essentials, including rice, for causing suffering for people and urged the party high command to control the essentials market.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Tarique Rahman told the convention that the government has rooted out terrorism, which he said was a residue of the previous regime.

Tarique said, "Now people are living in peace," adding, "We will have to keep an eye on the law and order so that development activities run well."