Quader blames BNP for 'rumours', opposition blasts him for misuse of office

Obaidul Quader. File Photo
Obaidul Quader. File Photo

Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader on Sunday criticised the BNP for trying to take advantage of recent student demonstration after what he said as, its failure to launch anti-government movement.

The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) accused Quader, also road transport and bridges minister, of conducting his party's election campaign using government vehicles.

Quader, addressing a wayside rally at Karnaphuli crossing area in Chittagong on Sunday, alleged that the BNP plotted to unleash violence through circulating videos.

"The party still engages in spreading rumour and creating violence," he said.

BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi. speaking at a press conference at the party's Naya Paltan central office, alleged that the ministers of this government do not abide by laws and rules.

"They consider government property and vehicles as their personal assets since they have no accountability."

"Their train tour turned unsuccessful in the face of public wrath. Now he (Quader) has been on a road march to conduct his party's campaign and propaganda. How does he use government vehicles for carrying out their party's campaign? It's unlawful," said the BNP leadeer.

On Saturday morning, AL leaders, led by Quader, launched a road march towards Cox's Bazar from their party president's Dhanmondi office in the capital.

On Sunday morning, Quader offered Fateha at the shrine of Hazar Shah Amanat (R) in Chittagong. He addressed a number of wayside rallies in Cumilla and Feni.

AL joint general secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, state minister for land Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, member of parliament (MP) Abdul Matin Khasru, publicity secretary Hasan Mahmud, among others, accompanied him.

The AL is scheduled to hold rallies at Lohagora of Chattogram, Chakoria of Cox's Bazar and Ramu.

According to UNB, Rizvi alleged that the ruling party leaders are hardly bothered about people and accountability as they have established their control over courts and the Anti-Corruption Commission. "This unruly acts and misdeeds can't continue for a long time."

He warned that the political parties that represent people are getting united to end the misrule and unfair acts. "We all are getting ready to ensure the fall of this government."

About Quader's comment that the unity of BNP and Kamal Hossain and Badruddoza Chowdhury is a communal one, the BNP leader said the ruling party leaders are making such reckless comments out of their tension.

He recalled that Awami League had signed a deal with some Islamic parties over not enacting any anti-Islamic law and carried out a movement with Jamaat-e-Islami and shared the stage with its leaders in 1996. "Why do you forget these things and where was communalism at that time?"

Reacting to Quader's comment that a national unity is not possible without Awami League, Rizvi said the ruling party itself abandoned people and the nation. "What is the necessity for forming the unity with those who have been left out by people?"

The BNP leader said Awami League must take steps for ensuring a fair election under a non-party administration, dissolve parliament and release Khaleda Zia from jail if it wants to join the national unity process.