AL slams BNP’s decision to skip Jan 7 polls
Staff Reporter :
In a press conference held at the Awami League president’s Dhanmondi political office on Friday, General Secretary Obaidul Quader criticised the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for not participating in the January 7 polls. Quader stated that BNP would have to face consequences for this decision.
Highlighting the uniqueness of Bangladesh’s democracy, Quader, who also serves as the road transport and bridges minister, emphasised the differences between Bangladesh and Pakistan’s democratic systems. He pointed out that no country in the world, except Pakistan, employs a caretaker government system.
“The opposition did not join the election, but it was fair,” Quader asserted, defending the integrity of Bangladesh’s democratic process. He acknowledged imperfections but argued that Bangladesh follows a true form of democracy, unlike other countries.
Quader drew attention to the contrast in international reactions to elections in Bangladesh and Pakistan. He claimed that while foreign powers, especially the western world, closely scrutinize Bangladesh’s elections, there is a lack of excitement regarding Pakistan’s electoral processes.
Commenting on the violence and irregularities in Pakistan’s elections, Quader stated, “We follow the true form of democracy. The democracy of the western world is not perfect too.”
Addressing the upcoming special extended meeting of the Awami League, Quader emphasized the need for strong unity within the party to implement the party’s election manifesto effectively. He acknowledged incidents of misunderstandings and conflicts within the party during the last general election.
Looking ahead, Quader mentioned the upcoming upazila, mayoral, and union parishad elections, urging all party members to remain united and avoid conflicts. The special extended meeting is slated to create an atmosphere of unity within the party.
Quader also commented on the absence of BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir from the political scene, stating that Fakhrul has been granted bail in many cases. He hinted at the possibility of further bail in the case related to an attack on the Chief Justice’s residence.
Regarding BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia’s medical treatment abroad, Quader stated that the decision depends on the recommendations from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Law Ministry, emphasising the need for a formal application from her family.
The press conference was attended by prominent Awami League figures, including organizing secretaries BM Mozammel Haque, Mirza Azam, and Sujit Roy Nandi, as well as cultural affairs secretary Asim Kumar Ukil.
