Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Friday said Bangladesh follows the true form of democracy.

He said this at a press briefing at the Awami League president's office in Dhanmondi in the capital on Friday.

Describing the democracy practised in Pakistan and Bangladesh as 'worlds apart', Obaidul Quader said, “We follow the true form of democracy. Even though the opposition parties did not join the election, it was fair. We acknowledge that our democracy is not flawless, and even the Western nations, often portrayed as exemplars of democracy, have imperfections as well.”

Regarding the special extended meeting of the Awami League on Saturday, he said that strong unity of the party is needed to implement the election manifesto.

“Independent candidates have been chosen for strategic reasons. In the election, 62 people were elected. But they also belong to the Awami League. Many are also Awami League’s posted leaders. There have also been some misunderstandings, disagreements, and conflicts among themselves in the elections. Strong unity is needed in the party to implement the election manifesto by ending this violence, and internal strife within the party,” he said.

He also said BNP will have to pay for its mistake of not joining the 12th general election for a long time.

About BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, he said the government does not want anyone to be detained without trial.

About BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia's treatment abroad, the minister said, “Let the family apply. How the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Law make recommendations can then be told.”