Staff Reporter :
The General Secretary of the ruling Awami League, Obaidul Quader, has rebuffed claims made by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) regarding the necessity of midterm elections. The BNP has argued that the January 7 general election was not free and fair.
Quader addressed these issues during a press conference held at the political office of Awami League President Sheikh Hasina in Dhanmondi.
Quader, also the Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, dismissed the BNP’s demand for midterm elections, labeling it as “unrealistic.” He questioned the necessity of such elections and deemed the demand by the opposition party as disconnected from reality.
Responding to a question about any meeting between Obaidul Quader, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, and U.S. Ambassador Peter Haas in Singapore, Quader clarified that they had visited but did not engage in any discussions or meetings.
During the press conference on Sunday, Quader criticised the BNP, asserting that the party has strayed far from the ground realities.
He emphasised the security of Bangladesh’s democracy under Sheikh Hasina’s leadership, declaring that the nation’s development and prosperity lie in her capable hands. Quader expressed confidence that as long as Sheikh Hasina remains in power, Bangladesh will stay on its current path of progress.
Highlighting the contrast between the two parties, Quader stated that Sheikh Hasina understands the language of the people, both in their eyes and hearts, a quality he believes the BNP has failed to grasp.
According to him, the BNP has become politically disconnected by failing to comprehend and articulate the language of the people.
Touching on the local government elections, Quader informed that 231 elections, including those in Mymensingh and Cumilla city corporations, were conducted smoothly with an average voter turnout of 60 percent.
He commended the Election Commission, law enforcement agencies, and all involved for ensuring fair, undisturbed, and peaceful elections. Quader extended congratulations to the winners.
Quader mentioned the BNP’s participation in these elections, acknowledging that some BNP leaders participated and achieved victory in certain places. However, he emphasised that these elections held no symbolic significance for the BNP, suggesting an indifferent attitude toward criticizing the government post-election.
Addressing recent comments from European Union reports on the 12th parliamentary elections, Quader acknowledged the EU’s perspective, alliances, and considerations. He pointed out that the United States’ comments on Bangladesh’s elections have received some support from the European Union.
Quader stressed the significance of appreciative comments in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s letter from U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron, interpreting them as international acknowledgment of the government’s significance. He further asserted that Bangladesh’s election standards align with reality and international norms.
Other notable figures present at the press conference included Awami League’s Organizing Secretary BM Mozammel Haque, S.M. Kamal Hossain, Abu Sayeed Al Mahmood Swapan, Afzal Hossain, Sujit Ray Nandi, and Prothom Alo Editor Biplob Barua.
