Bangladesh is trapped in an international geo-political conspiracy, said the speakers at a function yesterday.

The function was organised at the National Press Club to launch two books titled 'Challenges in Bangladesh Politics: A Londoner's View' and 'War on Terror: A pretext for new colonisation' by Dr Abdul Malik.

"It is unfortunate that Bangladesh is taken in a geostrategic conspiracy," said Prof Emajuddin Ahmed, former vicechancellor of Dhaka University.

"Root of this conspiracy stretches out not only to a neighbouring country but also far beyond that," said Prof Ahmed.

He said in a situation like this, political parties must act unitedly. "National unity must be forged at any cost to overcome this sort of national crisis," he added.

Prof Ahmed said any political front that undermines national interests in such a situation would be responsible for any national damage.

Science and ICT Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said the author has made some bold statements on major national concerns of Bangladesh.

Dr Moyeen said the author has also carefully examined why the world's biggest gas producing country is interested in importing gas from Bangladesh.

"Independent existence of Bangladesh in the region is irritating for some countries," said journalist Sadeque Khan, adding, "That's why, the people of Bangladesh will have to assert their national entity in a vigorous manner."

Responding to the propaganda

highlighting Islamic extremism in Bangladesh and elsewhere in the world, Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain said, "If Islam is extreme, it is just a reaction to other extremism."

Chief Editor of the state-run

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha Gaziul Hasan Khan, former vicechancellor of Jahangirnagar University Prof Jasim Uddin Ahmed, and publisher Syed Zakir Hossain also spoke.