Staff Reporter :
In a recent clarification, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader addressed criticisms from opposition leaders regarding Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India, stating that no formal agreement was reached during the trip.
Speaking at a meeting organised by the Dhaka North Unit Awami League in front of the Tejgaon District Awami League office, Quader emphasised the distinction between a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and a binding agreement. ”
Mirza Fakhrul asked, “Is a memorandum of understanding the same as an agreement? Don’t you study? Don’t you know the language of diplomacy?” Quader questioned, directing his comments at the BNP leader.
“Understand this—a memorandum of understanding and an agreement are not the same thing.” Quader cited the example of the Padma Bridge, noting that although an MoU was signed with Malaysia, Bangladesh independently financed and completed the project.
“If we had made an agreement, we would have been obliged to give them the responsibility of constructing the Padma Bridge,” he explained.
The meeting, marking the 75th founding anniversary of the Bangladesh Awami League, underscored the party’s stance amidst ongoing debates over diplomatic engagements.
During his speech, Quader also addressed internal unrest within the BNP, alleging that recent directives from London had caused significant turmoil. “Sleep has become scarce.
There is a fire of unrest in Mirza Fakhrul’s mind,” Quader stated. “One is out, another is in. Now the in-out game is going on at BNP.
There is distrust in the movement against the Awami League. In BNP, one person calls another a government agent. So, who will lead the movement? BNP’s programmes are fake.”
Quader criticised the BNP’s fluctuating stance on India, recalling how BNP leaders welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi with sweets and flowers upon his ascent to power, only to later adopt an anti-India stance. “They came to power in 2001, promising to sell gas to India in Washington,” Quader remarked.
Regarding the long-standing Teesta water agreement, Quader identified West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as the primary obstacle. “Mamata has to be convinced.
She has been saying no for so long. She has to be made to say yes,” he urged, adding that the Indian Constitution does not allow the central government to make this agreement without state consent.
Quader also provided insights into Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent visit to India, noting that the new Indian government is working to resolve unresolved issues. “The discussions have been positive,” he said.
During her trip, Prime Minister Hasina signed 10 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), including one for rail transit, which, if implemented, would allow India to transport goods directly from one part of the country to another through Bangladeshi territory.