Staff Reporter :
In a bold assertion of sovereignty, Awami League (AL) General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader declared on Saturday that no powerful country could intervene in Bangladesh’s recent national election, thanks to India’s steadfast support.
Speaking at the biennial council of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad held at Dhakeshwari National Temple, Quader emphasised India’s non-interference, contrasting it with the attempts made by several influential nations to sway the polls.
Quader commended the efforts of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in fostering a more harmonious relationship between Bangladesh and India.
He highlighted the resolution of the longstanding enclave crisis, which had persisted for 68 years, as a testament to the improved bilateral relations.
Quader expressed optimism regarding ongoing discussions on trans-boundary river sharing, including the Teesta issue, indicating a positive trajectory for future cooperation between the two nations.
Addressing concerns about the ‘India Out Campaign’ circulating on social media, Quader denounced attempts to fuel anti-India sentiments.
He viewed such campaigns as a veiled effort to undermine the democratic process, suggesting they serve as a shield for those who abstained from participating in the polls.
Quader cautioned against the recurrence of historical tensions, particularly insinuating a resurgence of the circumstances witnessed in 2001, should the opposition assume power.
Characterizing Sheikh Hasina’s government as pro-minority, Quader underscored its commitment to safeguarding the rights of minority communities within Bangladesh.
Earlier in the day, the biennial conference of Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Committee was inaugurated by Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma. Chaired by Bangladesh Puja Udjapan Parishad President JL Bhowmik and conducted by the organization’s General Secretary Chandranath Poddar, the conference witnessed participation from notable figures such as Food Minister Sadhan Chandra Majumdar, Health and Family Welfare Minister Samanta Lal Sen, State Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Kujendra Lal Tripura, and Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council’s General Secretary Rana Dasgupta.