Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said there is no need for concern about the now implemented US visa policy, as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has now reached an understanding with everyone on the issue.

Referring to the US visa policy, Quader said, "We do not care about the (US) visa policy. We also want peaceful elections, then why this visa policy and the sanctions? There will be free and fair elections. And there will be no more sanctions."

Also read: BNP plotting to form 1/11-like government: Quader

Obaidul Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges minister, made the remarks at Awami League’s "peace and development rally" in Savar’s Aminbazar on Tuesday.

During his address as the chief guest, Quader said, "(BNP Secretary General Mirza) Fakhrul’s voice has gone soft. If they don’t want to participate in the upcoming election without Khaleda Zia, they don’t have to. The election will be held on time."

He said BNP leaders have become disillusioned as their 48-hour ultimatum was disregarded and symbolically washed away in the Buriganga River.

"They’re (BNP) now travelling to different districts in the name of movement. Their movement is unlikely to yield results," said Quader.

Also read: Bangladesh not safe in BNP's hands: Quader

The Awami League general secretary said Khaleda Zia's case remains unresolved primarily due to the BNP's actions.

"The case is still pending in court. If the case had been continued properly, it might have been resolved by now, and she might have been released as well."

Referring to the rise in commodity prices, the Awami League general secretary has urged people to keep faith in the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Also read: Next polls will be held as per constitution: Obaidul Quader

"This pain won't last long. In Sha Allah good days will come," Quader said.

Awami League Presidium members Advocate Kamrul Islam, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Organising Secretary Mirza Azam, among others, addressed the rally.