Quader calls BNP a representative of anti-country force
Road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader on Thursday alleged Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) was like a representative of an anti-Bangladesh foreign force when it was in power, reports state-run news agency BSS.
“People were not the source of power for BNP as its politics came through the barrel of gun. Talks of public interests do not suit this party. When BNP was in power, it was like a representative of an anti-country foreign force,” he said.
Quader, also the general secretary of ruling Bangladesh Awami League, was addressing a review-meeting on progress of different projects under the ministry at Setu Bhaban (Bridges Building) in Banani in the capital. He joined it through a videoconferencing from his official residence.
Bridges division secretary Mohammed Belayet Hossain was present at the Setu Bhaban, among others.
About BNP secretary general’s remarks that serving public interest is not the purpose of the AL government, Quader said since its inception, AL has been giving highest priority to public interest so that it becomes the symbol of trust to people.
He said AL, which is the oldest and biggest political party in the country, remains in the hearts of the people, while BNP does not believe in protecting public interests.
The minister said interest of the country and its people is the top priority to prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
The demand of democracy does not suit those who do politics of killings and terrorism, sell out the country’s interest and destroy the spirit of independence, he added.
Quader further said the country became champions in corruption for five times during BNP’s tenure due to ‘charisma’ of BNP chairperson. They also staged ‘Joj Mia’ drama after perpetrating the gruesome grenade attacks on 21 August 2004.
The AL general secretary also said when BNP was in power, its chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia forgot the issue of Ganges water sharing treaty during her visit to India, while prime minister Sheikh Hasina resolved the land boundary, enclaves and maritime issues with the neighbouring country.