, Oct. 12 -- Prime Minister and Leader of the House Tarique Rahman has taken a tough stance against extortionists and land grabbers, making it clear that there is no place for them in the BNP and that no one will be allowed to escape accountability for wrongdoing by using the party's name.

Speaking to reporters, Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam Moni said "the prime minister had taken a firm position against extortion and land grabbing and stressed that such activities would not be tolerated under any circumstances".

He conveyed the message while briefing reporters after a meeting of ruling party lawmakers chaired by Tarique Rahman at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Sunday evening.

The meeting began at 6:20pm and continued for around three hours,...