DHAKA, Aug 1, 2024 (BSS) - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today said that Jamaat-Shibir and BNP used the protesting students who were demanding quota reform in government jobs as their shield to unleash their reign of terror.

"They (Jamaat-Shibir and BNP) just used the students as their shield," she said when Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban.

PM's Deputy Press Secretary Noorelahi Mina briefed the reporters after the call on.

He said the Prime Minister mentioned that Jamaat-Shibir and BNP are used to killing people through arson attacks.

Sheikh Hasina said that she has visited different hospitals to see the injured persons who are getting treatment.

"We're providing medicare facilities to all equally," she added. She mentioned that everything, including the economic activities, in the country is gradually moving towards normalcy.

As the whole country came under digitisation, the Prime Minister said, it is taking some time to resume the services of vandalised toll plazas of the expressway and metro rail.

The Italian ambassador said that the anarchists targeted the symbol of modernisation of Bangladesh to attack. He expressed his condolence over the loss of lives and properties.

"Antonio Alessandro hoped that the Prime Minister will ensure justice and accountability of the culprits behind this vandalism," Mina said.

The envoy appreciated Bangladesh for its move and success in containing terrorism after the attack on Holey Artisan.

"Bangladesh will be able to advance the move to contain the terrorism through ensuring justice," Mina Quoted the Italian ambassador as saying.

Antonio Alessandro appreciated the Prime Minister's move to handle the recent attacks and vandalism.

He said that Bangladesh and Italy historically enjoy excellent friendly relations.

In this connection, he mentioned that some two lakh plus Bangladeshi expatriates are the bridge of this relationship and they are contributing to the economies of both countries.

The envoy said that he will work for advancing further the excellent relations between the two countries.

In this regard, he mentioned that energy, SME, space technology and ship building sectors will be in the center of the areas of work. He also expressed his firm resolve to move forward the legal migration.

The Italian envoy expressed his country's keen interest to train Bangladesh police in "School of Public Order" to handle various types of unwanted situation like protests and crack down as his country's police personnel have vast experience since the post second world war.

The Prime Minister termed the proposal as good one and said that further talks will be continued in this regard in the coming days.

PM's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, Ambassador-at-Large Mohammad Ziauddin and Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present.