Bogura, July 25 -- Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Iqbal Hasan Mahmud Tuku on Saturday alleged that the banned Awami League had plundered the country's resources during its 17 years in power, leaving behind a fragile economy that the government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is now working to rebuild.

Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar in Bogura, the minister also accused the previous government of distorting history and neglecting the development of northern Bangladesh.

"The Awami League is the only party that distorted history and created its own version of historical events. Those who study history must counter such distortions," he said.

Tuku claimed that the "fascist Hasina government" deprived the northern...