Obaidul Quader
AL not under international pressure ahead of election: Quader
Awami League is not under any international pressure ahead of the 12th parliamentary election; if there’s any pressure it’s from our own conscience, said the party’s General Secretary Obaidul Quader.
“Why should we feel pressure? It is our commitment to hold free, fair elections. If you talk about pressure, then it’s pressure from our own conscience,” he said at a press briefing today (August 03, 2023), shortly after holding a meeting with US Ambassador Peter Haas at AL Central Office on Bangabandhu Avenue in Dhaka.
Also read: US has no position on caretaker govt issue: Ambassador Haas after meeting AL delegation
“We have trade relations with America, we maintain friendly ties. The ambassador of the United States came to our party office. They've never been to our office before. He came, and he saw it,” said Quader.
“We talked about the next election. Our commitment remains the same and it is loud and clear. We want peaceful elections. We want free and fair elections. We're talking to everyone. It's our commitment to the people of the country,” he added.
Also read: Not a violation of Vienna Convention: US ambassador on raising issues about domestic political affairs
“It is our sacred duty to protect democracy. We are committed to this responsibility. Bangladesh has an independent Election Commission,” said the AL leader.
In response to a question, Obaidul Quader said, “We didn’t talk about any complaint. The US ambassador didn’t mention caretaker government, dissolution of parliament, resignation of the prime minister either. We talked about free, fair and peaceful elections.”
“The Americans didn’t give us any advice, and there was no talk of dialogue either,” he added.
Also read: US Ambassador Haas holding meeting with AL leaders at Bangabandhu Avenue office
US visa policy should be effective on BNP, Quader says
The new US visa policy should be effective on BNP as they are trying to obstruct election through violence and anarchy, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said.
Under the policy, the US can impose “visa restrictions on individuals and their immediate family members if they are responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.”
Read: ‘Which party do they belong to?’: AL Facebook post responds to Fakhrul’s claim with photo of Chhatra Dal leader during yesterday’s clash
"BNP's recent political programmes were nothing but obstruction to the upcoming national election,” Quader, also road, transport and bridges minister, said at a press conference at his Secretariat office today (July 31, 2023).
"We don't want clashes and we won't go on the streets for that. Police will handle the situation and it is their responsibility," he added.
“BNP leaders and activists will block all important entry points of Dhaka and try to disconnect the capital from other parts of the country. In this situation, should the police stay inactive? Police will definitely take action and it is their duty to protect people's lives and property,” said the minister.
“Awami League wants a peaceful environment before and after the election. But BNP wants to remove Sheikh Hasina from power at any cost. So, we will remain vigilant until the election,” Quader added.
Read: Be alert so that anti-liberation forces cannot rise: Law Minister
Those who want election, should not go for conflict, he said.
“No foreign embassy, no foreign delegate has so far said anything about a caretaker government or the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina or dissolving the parliament," Quader said.
BNP's demand for a caretaker government did not get any support at home and abroad, Obaidul Quader observed. Among others, Awami League Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua and newly-elected Dhaka-17 MP Mohammad Ali Arafat were present at the briefing.
Not leaving the country in the hands of Pakistan’s friends: Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today said that BNP is “preparing to foil the election through violence.”
“We will not leave the country in the hands of Pakistan’s friends. The country, democracy, development—nothing is safe with them,” he said.
The road, transport, and bridges minister made the remarks while addressing a views-exchange meeting at the party’s central office on Bangabandhu Avenue in Dhaka this morning.
Read: No possibility of conflict from AL side on July 27 but govt will ensure safety of lives and property: Quader
He also urged party leaders and activists to fight for the country.
“We are going to start a campaign in September—with the aim to win the election, taking all the pro-liberation war forces under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” Quader added.
He said that Awami League wants free, fair and peaceful elections. "But BNP, which does not believe in public support, is stockpiling firearms to contest the elections," he said.
Read: Nothing will be gained through conspiracy: Home Minister to BNP
“As Ziaur Rahman did not come to power with public support, BNP too does not have confidence in the people. They (BNP) also know what the election results will be like,” the AL leader said.
Urging party activists to remain alert, Quader said that BNP wants conflict.
Among others, Awami League presidium members Matia Chowdhury, Lt Col (retd) Muhammad Faruk Khan, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Advocate Kamrul Islam and Dr. Mustafa Jalal Mohiuddin; joint general secretaries Dr. Hasan Mahmud and AFM Bahauddin Nashim; leaders of all associate bodies of the party were also present at the meeting.
No possibility of conflict from AL side on July 27 but govt will ensure safety of lives and property: Quader
Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said that there is no possibility of conflict from the party's side during the rally on July 27.
“Awami League will not instigate any violence. However, the AL government will ensure the safety of people's lives and property if violent incidents occur,” he said while addressing the introductory meeting of the party's education and human resources sub-committee at its central office on Bangabandhu Avenue in Dhaka today (July 24, 2023).
BNP's dream will never come true: Obaidul Quader
“Around 70 percent of the country's population is eagerly waiting to vote for AL. People are our strength, and we are not afraid of anyone,” he said.
Commenting on student politics, he said, “The beauty of student politics has lost some sheen, and we need to revive its former glory.”
Sheikh Hasina's government needed again: Obaidul Quader Quader also said, “There has been a quiet revolution happening in the development of Digital Bangladesh by Sajeeb Wazed. He works in silence and does not seek self-promotion.”
General Election to be held as per constitution: Obaidul Quader
BNP failed to garner foreign support: Quader
Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader on Friday (July 14, 2023) said that BNP wanted to get foreign support by presenting false information but failed.
Quader said this in a meeting with the presidents and general secretaries of AL associate organizations at the party president's political office in the capital's Dhanmondi this afternoon.
Quader, also Road Transport and Bridges minister, said foreign delegates did not meet with any political party, they met with the minister of home affairs, foreign affairs, especially the Prime Minister.
Before the arrival of foreign delegates, BNP tried to create the impression that more sanctions are coming. They (delegates) will tell the government to hold elections under the caretaker government and ask the prime minister to quit. What happened in the end?
Read more: EU Election Exploratory Mission holds meeting with BNP
Obaidul Quader said that foreign delegates basically want free, fair and peaceful elections. They did not say anything on ban, visa policy or anything on caretaker government.
"We also want peaceful elections and a peaceful environment is needed for peaceful elections. So we will ensure a peaceful environment in anyway", he added.
Awami League General Secretary urged BNP to join polls and avoid the conspiracy to come to power through the back door.
Besides, BNP has to take the responsibility for the attitude of BNP leaders and activists to disrupt the democratic process, terrorism, arson and election fraud.
Read more: BNP trying to destabilise country with an unconstitutional demand, Shahriar Alam says
From now on, AL's rally will be titled 'peace and development rally', the minister mentioned.
Election won’t be held as per anyone’s prescription: Quader
Awami League General Secretary and Bangladesh's Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today (July 02, 2023) said that the country’s election won’t be held as per anyone's prescription. It will be held according to the constitution, he said.
He came up with the remarks while talking to journalists in the conference room of the Road, Transport and Highway Division at the Secretariat on the first working day after the Eid-ul-Azha holidays.
“The election in Bangladesh won’t be held as per anyone's prescription; it will be held following the constitution, keeping an election-time government like other democratic countries in the world,” he said.
Read: Quader not budging from vow to hold elections in line with constitution
Asked whether there is "foreign intervention" regarding the election, Quader said that no one is intervening, perhaps some are giving suggestions and sharing thoughts.
“Many (foreigners) talk about fair elections, and we are listening. We will listen and accept suggestions, but there is no need to be concerned. We won't follow anyone's directives,” he said.
“The government wants BNP's participation in the election... We want a participatory election in the country,” the Awami League general secretary said.
Read: GM Quader wants permanent arrangement for fair elections
The minister also suggested that those who raise questions about the 2014 or 2018 elections in Bangladesh should concentrate on their own countries’ democracy.
The minister claimed that journey during Eid-ul-Azha was comfortable, as during Eid-ul-Fitr this year, due to initiatives taken by the government.
Read more: People have no confidence in country’s electoral system: GM Quader
Padma Bridge has overshadowed BNP’s movement of 14 years: Obaidul Quader
Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said the Padma Bridge has "overshadowed" BNP’s movement of last 14 years.
“The Padma Bridge, a symbol of Bangladesh's capabilities, has expanded the horizon of the country's economic potential,” he said at a press briefing at the Setu Bhaban in the capital this morning, marking the one-year anniversary of the inauguration of the bridge.
The road, transport and bridges minister said Tk 798.23 crore was collected as toll from the Padma Multipurpose Bridge in one year since its inauguration.
Also read: Padma bridge project cost increased further by Tk 1,117 crore
“Since the inauguration of the bridge, a total of 56,75,000 vehicles have used the bridge till 12 am today,” he said. “On an average, 15,500 vehicles use the bridge daily.”
The minister hoped the amount of toll collection would hit Tk 800 crore by this afternoon.
Calling the bridge a “national treasure,” Quader called on everyone to protect and preserve it.
Also read: Padma Bridge loan: Bridges Division pays 316.02 crore as 2nd two installments
He said the Bangladesh Bridge Authority will have to repay the loan in 35 years.
“Around Tk 632.94 crore in loan have already been repaid in four installments,” Quader said.
Bridges Division Secretary Manzoor Hossain, Padma Bridge Project Director Shafiqul Islam, and senior officials of the Bridges Division, Bridge Authority, and Bridge Construction Project were present at the press briefing.
Also read: Sheikh Hasina ignored all the conspiracies to build Padma Bridge: President Shahabuddin
Padma Bridge loan: Bridges Division pays 316.02 crore as 2nd two installments
The Bridges Division on Monday (June 19, 2023) paid Tk 316.02 crore as third and fourth installments of the loan taken for construction of Padma Bridge.
Bridges Division Secretary Manjur Hossain handed over a cheque of Tk 316,02,69,093 to the Senior Secretary of Finance Division around 10 am in presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said a press release of Road Transport and Bridges Ministry.
Read: Repayment of Padma Bridge loan starts with Tk 316.91 crore given to govt
Road Transport and Bridge Minister Obaidul Quader, cabinet members, secretary, principal secretary to the prime minister were also present at that time.
With this, the Bridges Division paid a total of Tk 632,93,36,6142 to the government in installments.
Read: Tk 660.24 cr toll collected from Padma Bridge till April 25: Quader
Earlier on April 5, the Bridges Division began the repayment of the loan with Tk 316,90,97,049 from the revenue it earned as toll collection from the bridge.
The loan was taken from Bangladesh Bank at a low interest rate under an agreement signed between the Finance Division and the Bangladesh Bridge Authority.
Read: Padma Bridge Rail Link: 75% complete, on course for June 2024 handover
In line with a revised agreement with the finance division on 26 July 2022, the Bangladesh Bridge Authority (BBA) will repay the loan in 35 years through 140 installments (four installments each year). The repayment will continue up to the fiscal year 2056-57.
The authority collected tolls worth Tk 779,75,87,000 from the bridge till June 18,2023.
Many BNP leaders secretly preparing for elections: Quader
Bangladesh's Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader has said that a number of BNP leaders are busy taking secret preparations to run in the election.
He came up with the remarks at a rally organized by Dhaka Metropolitan North Awami League against the "anti-state conspiracy of BNP-Jamaat" in the capital's Mirpur this afternoon (June 16, 2023).
He said many parties will participate in the election.
Read: Fakhrul must apologise for derogatory remark on election: Obaidul Quader
"There will be no shortage of political parties to join the polls. No matter how BNP conspires, the election will be held in this country," Quader added.
Quader said BNP fears losing in the next election. He said that the election of Bangladesh cannot be prevented by anyone's visa policy and sanctions.
"We do not interfere with anyone so we do not want interference from any foreign country in our elections. We are going to hold the elections as per law. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will remain the head of the government during the elections," he said.
Read: BNP would only say election was fair if AL gets defeated: Quader
Quader said the country's people have confidence about the elections and they will not be confused by BNP's statements over elections.
"The BNP is now holding a road march after getting imbalanced and this road march will finally turn into a fall march," he said, adding that the BNP has no path.
The AL general secretary said BNP has no control over its own party men while its activists became candidates in many city elections ignoring the command of BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Read: Participate in election to see whether you even get 10% votes: Information Minister to BNP
"Now many of BNP leaders have started running from here and there to participate in the upcoming national elections," he said.
Among others, AL joint general secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, organising secretary Afzal Hossain, Dhaka North City AL president Sheikh Bazlur Rahman, general secretary SM Mannan Kochi and Swechchhasebak League president Gazi Mejbaul Hossain Sacchu, spoke at the rally.
BNP wants to portray AL as aggressor to foreigners: Quader
Bangladesh's Road Transport and Bridge Minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday (May 28, 2023) said that BNP wants to paint , as the aggressor to foreigners but Awami League will not do that under any circumstances.
At the same time, he also warned that no concession will be given if any attacks are made on them.
He gave this warning at a joint meeting at Awami League central office this afternoon.
Obaidul Quader said Awami League will hold peace rallies across the country till the next general election for peaceful voting. “If necessary, programs will be given down to the ward level.”
Read more: US visa policy will apply to BNP leaders who are making open declaration to obstruct upcoming polls
Responding to a question on the new US visa policy specific to Bangladesh, the Road Transport and Bridges Minister said there is no reason for the government to be unhappy over it.
“Bangladesh has no lord abroad, it has friends,” he said.
The minister said, “We don't have any headache about that. We have started the process of a free and fair election. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has made the Election Commission independent by law. We are preparing the ground for a free, fair and neutral election.”
Al Joint General Secretaries AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Dr Dipu Moni, Organizing Secretaries BM Mozammel Haque, SM Kamal Hossain, Mirza Azam, Sujit Roy Nandi, Office Secretary Barrister Biplob Barua, among others, were present at the meeting.
Read more: Police, BNP clash in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi; One vehicle torched