Staff Reporter :
In a recent development, Obaidul Quader, the general secretary of Bangladesh’s ruling party, the Awami League, has expressed his lack of knowledge regarding the purported association of Bangladesh’s renowned cricketer Shakib Al Hasan with the ‘Kings Party’.
Quader’s statement comes amidst swirling speculations surrounding Shakib’s political inclinations.
Quader remarked, “I have seen this matter in the media. I did not have any knowledge about this. Shakib has now been elected on the ticket of the Awami League in the January 7 general elections.
He became a primary member of the team when he wanted a nomination. Before that, Shakib was not a member of the Awami League.”
The statement was made by Quader during a press briefing following a view-exchange meeting with the leaders of the Sramik League and Krishak League of Dhaka’s south and north units at the AL central office located in Bangabandhu Avenue, Dhaka, on Tuesday.
Moreover, Quader took a dig at the opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), accusing them of baseless criticism and futile efforts to undermine the government’s initiatives.
He criticised the BNP leaders for organising iftar parties solely to criticise the Awami League rather than to praise Almighty Allah.
Quader dismissed allegations of the Awami League’s involvement in the formation of a ‘Kings Party’, asserting that the ruling party has no such agenda.
He attributed the formation of such parties to individuals seeking political leverage before elections.
Regarding the allegation of Shakib’s involvement with the alleged ‘Kings Party’, Quader reiterated his lack of knowledge about the matter and emphasised Shakib’s affiliation with the Awami League.
In response to comments by BNP leaders regarding foreign intervention in Bangladesh’s politics, Quader asserted that the people of tge country are the ultimate decision-makers in determining the country’s governance.
Quader also addressed concerns raised about the state of democracy in Bangladesh, emphasising that despite imperfections, the nation has made significant strides in democratic practices, especially after the era of military rule.
Additionally, Quader touched upon the government’s efforts to stabilise essential commodity prices, ensuring that measures are being taken to address the concerns of the populace.
The press briefing was attended by several key figures within the Awami League, including organising secretaries BM Mozammel Haque and Mirza Azam, office secretary Barrister Biplob Barua, deputy office secretary Sayem Khan, and executive members Sahabuddin Farazi and Anisul Islam.