Staff Reporter :
The ruling Awami League (AL) held a peace rally in Dhaka South on Saturday, emphasising the importance of a strong and independent relationship with neighbouring India.
Obaidul Quader, the party’s general secretary, addressed the gathering, highlighting the progress achieved under the current government and criticising opposition tactics.
Quader acknowledged India’s role as a friend but asserted Bangladesh’s sovereign interests. “We do not serve anyone,” he declared, emphasising that the nation’s strength lies in its people. “We want friendship with India as it is necessary for our own interests,” he added.
The General Secretary lauded Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s leadership in fostering closer ties with India, citing landmark agreements on river water sharing and boundary demarcation as testaments to this progress.
Quader also directed criticism towards the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), particularly targeting leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy. He questioned Gayeshwar’s recent emergence and hinted at possible external influences behind his actions.
Mahbub-ul Alam Hanif, AL Joint General Secretary, joined the rally to reaffirm the party’s commitment to democratic processes. He challenged the legitimacy of the BNP’s calls for change outside of elections, stating, “The people of this country never desire that.”
Hanif emphasised that democratic elections are the only legitimate path to a change in government. He expressed concerns about the BNP’s intentions and assured the public that Bangladesh, under Prime Minister Hasina’s leadership, would remain on the path of progress and development.
Prominent Awami League Praesidium members, including Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Abdur Rahman, also participated in the rally.