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.”
"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.
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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.