MP Azim’s background not a big issue, he’s nominated for popularity: Quader

Governing Bangladesh Awami League’s MP from Jhenaidah-4 constituency Anwarul Azim, who was killed in India’s Kolkata, was a gold smuggler, said media reports in that country.

Speaking about this, AL general secretary Obaidul Quader said what he was, is not a big issue. The party gave him a nomination considering his popularity in the constituency, he added.

Obaidul Quader was addressing a Eid reunion of the members of recently constituted youth and sports sub-committee at Dhaka district Awami League office in the capital’s Tejgaon on Thursday.

MP Anwarul Azim went to India for medical treatment but remained missing for eight days.

Later on Wednesday, the law enforcement said that he was killed in the country.

Responding to written questions of journalists, Obaidul Quader said, “A parliament member died in Kolkata… He was killed there. We cannot say anything until the investigation is finished.” 

The Awami League general secretary continued, “He is an MP of Awami League. It is not a big deal what he was in the past. If you go to the area he represents, you will see the lamentation of people for him. He used to travel around his area on a motorcycle instead of a car. We have nominated him for the third time due to his popularity. Now whether he did any wrongdoing or not... Whenever these things are proven, the prime minister shows zero tolerance. She does not spare anyone even if the wrongdoer, criminal belongs to the party.” 

Obaidul Quader rather questioned why the journalists are raising the issue of smuggling after it was reported in the media outlets of Kolkata, and why they did not investigate it during his election for three-terms at a stretch.