AL sees no issue with politicians switching sides

City Desk :
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has defended the ‘democratic right’ of politicians to switch sides amid controversy over several BNP leaders changing allegiances ahead of the upcoming national elections.
During a media briefing at the Awami League president’s political office in Dhanmondi on Saturday, Quader questioned the BNP leadership’s resilience. “Is the BNP leadership so vulnerable that they can be lured away through blackmail?”, reports bdnews24.com.
Addressing former BNP vice-chairman Shahjahan Omar’s decision to join the ruling Awami League, Quader emphasised the importance of “personal freedom” in political choices.
“If someone decides to switch sides voluntarily, we won’t interfere in their choice. Shahjahan has chosen to join the Awami League of his own accord, as he himself has stated.”
With the Jan 7 polls approaching, political tensions in Bangladesh are on the rise. The BNP is pushing for an election-time caretaker government and has declared it will not participate in the polls unless the Awami League government steps aside.
Quader condemned the reported violence and arson attacks during the BNP’s protest programmes. He believes the public will not be swayed by the BNP’s anti-government campaign.
“They want to disrupt and cast doubt on the elections, but the people of Bangladesh are united under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina.