AL govt not to bow down to any pressure: Quader

Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader alleged the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has appointed lobbyists to persuade the US administration to put pressure on the Bangladesh government. 

“Public support and the roots of Awami League are not weak. Only the people of the country can create pressure on us. We will not bow down to the pressure of any quarter,” said Obaidul Quader while talking to newsmen at a function of Anwar Khan Modern Medical College to mark its 10th founding anniversary in the city on Friday.

Quoting US-based political affairs magazine Politico, local media outlets report that BNP has appointed two firms to lobby with the Trump administration ahead of the next general election.

When asked, Obaidul Quader, also road transport and bridges minister, said BNP has signed a contract with two US-based agencies at a cost of US$20,000 as down payment, followed by monthly payments of US$35,000.

“Can BNP appoint such lobbyists? Is it a necessity?” he asked.   

AL general secretary also asked, “Where has the BNP got the money to recruit lobbyists?”

Obaidul Quader said after failing in all its movements against the government, a team of BNP has gone to the United Nations to make complaints.

“But we have no allegations against it.”

“Is Bangladesh a country like Pakistan or Sudan? Is Bangladesh a war-torn country like Iraq or Iran?” the AL leader asked.

Obaidul Quader said, “We will solve our problems here in Bangladesh.”