Road Transport and Bridges Minister and General Secretary of the Awami League, Obaidul Quader, has said that the government is indifferent to US sanctions and visa policies. His comments came during a discussion today (May 14, 2024) with journalists at the Secretariat addressing contemporary issues. Quader remarked that US Assistant Secretary of State Donald Lu has come to Bangladesh with his own agenda, emphasizing that the government did not extend an invitation to him. “I do not want to discuss this matter. They come and go as part of their routine,” Quader mentioned. BNP rally means arson, havoc and bloodshed: Obaidul Quader Regarding Lu’s visit, Quader commented, “He is not even a Foreign Minister! Why all this fuss about him! He has come here out of necessity, they have their agenda. When relationships exist, discussions on various issues related to those relationships will happen.” Quader also referenced previous discussions related to visa policies and sanctions before the elections, highlighting that the stance remains unchanged. “We do not care about any kind of sanctions or visa policies,” Quader declared when asked about the political implications of Lu’s visit. Read more: Donald Lu in Dhaka to "strengthen bilateral cooperation" with Bangladesh

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today (January 18, 2024) said that the report of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) is “one-sided and anti-government.”  “They (TIB) are agents of BNP,” he said at a press briefing at the Awami League president’s office in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi this afternoon. “TIB speaks in the tune of BNP. History says that they were always against Awami League. They speak for BNP. We could not find impartiality of their research,” said the AL leader. “There are some organisations that talk about accidents. If a hundred die, they say five hundred died. TIB is like them. TIB and CPD said Padma Bridge is impossible. Filing a case doesn’t solve everything. Some are said for public perception. They will be dealt with politically,” he said. Read more: Top 5% contractors account for 26% market share in government procurement: TIB TIB in its report on Wednesday said Bangladesh’s 12th parliamentary election was “not free and not inclusive.” Quader acknowledged the existence of political tactics and conflicts within parties, asserting, “Conflicts are inherent in politics, and Awami League navigates through them under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina. The party remains united in addressing challenges wherever they arise.” Addressing upcoming local government elections, Quader said, “Decisions regarding local government elections, including upazilas, and the use of party symbols will be finalized in the Awami League board meeting.” When asked who would be the opposition party in the parliament, Quader responded, “Clarity on the opposition party will emerge once the session commences.” Regarding commodity prices, Quader noted, “Sheikh Hasina has provided instructions on commodity prices. Ministries are formulating action plans based on the ground reality, including price control measures.” Read more: Even if action can’t be taken now, strong measures will be taken after election: Quader on those whose wealth saw abnormal increase The press briefing was attended by AL Organizing Secretary BM Mozammel Haque, SM Kamal Hossain, Sujit Roy Nandi, among other leaders.

Awami League General Secretary and Bangladesh's Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Thursday (October 19, 2023) said the caretaker government system has been laid to rest in Azimpur graveyard. "Why would the prime minister resign? Don't call for the caretaker government again. The path that BNP is taking is the wrong path. BNP is now on the verge of collapse after a failed movement,” he said. Also read: BNP will be blocked if it enforces blockades: Obaidul Quader Quader was speaking after the inauguration of 150 bridges and 14 overpasses at Sharak Bhaban in Dhaka's Tejgaon on Thursday morning. In his speech, the AL leader highlighted the development of Bangladesh in the last 15 years and said that this transformation is considered a marvel by the world. “This has been possible due to the creative leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.” Also read: BNP wants to indulge in evil game of 1/11 with Dr Yunus at the helm: Quader "If you want to protect the development of this country, the achievements of this country, the democracy of this country, if you love the country, then there is no alternative to Sheikh Hasina," he added. “Don't they see that the Prime Minister of Britain respects the Prime Minister of Bangladesh? The President of the United States took photos at the G-20 (with Sheikh Hasina) and also in New York,” he said. Also read: BNP is not happy with good news of increase in remittances: Quader Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan; Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, Begum Raushan Ara Mannan, spoke on the occasion, among others.

The next national election of Bangladesh will be held as per the constitution under the independent Election Commission, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said. “The election won’t stop for any political party. There are multiple political parties who want to join the election. Why do you think that election won’t be acceptable if one or two parties do not participate? To participate in the election is a political right, and if a party doesn’t use it, that’s up to them,” he said.  The Road Transport and Bridges Minister came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after placing a wreath on the grave of Sheikh Russel at Banani Graveyard in Dhaka. Today (October 18, 2023) marks the 60th birth anniversary of the youngest son of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Next polls will be held as per constitution: Obaidul Quader “The law enforcing agencies are arresting those who were involved in arson, vandalism and were accused in arms and murder cases,” Quader said. Khandaker Mushtaq and Ziaur Rahman had started the politics of murder and conspiracy in the country in 1975 and their successor BNP is still continuing it, said the Awami League leader.  Obaidul Quader says dragging out dead caretaker system will bring no gain Expressing the determination to eradicate the politics of murder and conspiracy under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, he said, “Our fight will continue until we make the country safe and livable for innocent children like Sheikh Russel.” Awami League leaders and activists led by its general secretary placed wreaths on the grave of Sheikh Russel and offered munajat there. Game to be played in October, December, and in first week of January: Obaidul Quader

Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today (October 05, 2023) said that he was not wrong when he said “a lot is going on behind the scenes.” He said this while exchanging views with journalists at the conference room of the Road Transport and Highways Department, at the Secretariat. Also read: No worries over visa policy, PM reached understanding with all: Quader Regarding his earlier remark that there has been some “agreement or consensus”, Quader said, “The issue of rumours and propaganda in our country has become rampant. According to rumours, the relationship between Bangladesh and the United States has deteriorated. Such rumours and misinformation have spread widely. This is not desirable at this time.” “Don’t you understand what I said? No one was aware for a week about the meeting with the US security adviser. So, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes, and I wasn’t wrong,” Quader added. Also read: Hasina and Biden have discussed importance of free, fair elections in Bangladesh as well as improving relations During her recent visit to Washington DC, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held a meeting with US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan. “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her daughter took a selfie with Joe Biden. That was being discussed. There was still some talk. Reaching consensus behind the scenes means improving relations. That’s what I meant,” the AL leader clarified. When pointed out that many are taking the “behind the scenes” expression negatively, he said, “If anyone wants to take it negatively, it is up to them. At public rallies, people want excitement… which is why exciting words like “toley toley”, “khela hobe” are used.” Also read: Bangladesh not safe in BNP's hands: Quader Responding to a question on relationship with China, Quader said, “China has a role to play in our development activities. We can’t bypass that. We are taking their help.”

The Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel, running  beneath the Karnaphuli River in Chattogram, is now awaiting inauguration, with the primary construction phase successfully concluded. The main tunnel is fully equipped and prepared for vehicular movement. This historic project marks the country's first-ever underwater tunnel, and preparations for its grand inauguration are underway. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the tunnel in Chattogram on October 28. Marking the occasion, the prime minister will address a rally at the Anwara end of the tunnel. Also read: Uttara to Motijheel in 38 mins once part of Metro Rail from Agargaon opens on Oct 20 Commencing from the following day, the tunnel will be open for vehicular traffic, providing a significant transportation milestone for the region. In this regard, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said the primary construction phase of the tunnel has been successfully concluded. “Presently, the focus is on resolving technical matters within the tunnel. The inauguration of this remarkable project heralds Bangladesh's entry into the era of underwater tunnels,” said Quader. This ‘monumental achievement’ will usher in a new era of communication within the country, marking a source of immense national pride, he added. Also read: After 10 years of delay, Mongla-Khulna rail line likely to open in October   The Bridges Division Secretary Md. Manzur Hossain told UNB that the primary tunnel is fully ready for vehicular traffic. “Ongoing efforts encompass various aspects, including the establishment of essential infrastructure such as fire service and police station buildings. The overall progress of the tunnel project stands at 98 percent,” he said. "Our activities will continue even after the inauguration. It has been discussed to establish a police station, a dumping area, and a station, and the space is available for that. Those who are involved in the operation and those who will perform maintenance will have their own vehicles," he added. The secretary said that the traffic division has devised a dedicated plan for managing the flow of traffic both within and around the tunnel area, aiming to ensure seamless transportation. Inside the tunnel, vehicles will be able to run at a speed of 80 kilometres per hour. It has been decided which vehicles will run in the tunnel. Tolls have also been fixed, said the Bridges secretary (see bolow). Also read: HSIA Terminal 3: Final preparations on course for Oct 7 inauguration “The concept of the tunnel is new to us. That's why it has some challenges. It is different from other bridges or roads. In that case, we have to make sure that the tunnel will be safe and those who use it will also be safe,” said Hossain, adding, “From that perspective, I don't think it's safe for two- or three-wheelers at the moment.” Harun-ur-Rashid, project director of the tunnel, told UNB that the scope of Chittagong city will increase once the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman tunnel is opened. "Chittagong city marks one end of the tunnel, while the other end leads to Anwara Upazila. The development of tunnels is transforming Anwara into a burgeoning city. Concurrently, the land prices in Anwara Upazila have seen a substantial increase." Numerous industries, both large and small, are emerging on both sides of the road leading to the tunnel's terminus in Anwara Upazila. When the tunnel becomes operational, it will reduce the Karnaphuli River crossing time to just three minutes. As time is of the essence, the economy is expected to thrive. The tunnel is poised to bring about a transformative change in road connectivity between the capital, Dhaka, and Chittagong city, as well as the tourist destination of Cox's Bazar. Also read: Dhaka-Bhanga railway track via Padma bridge all set for trial run on Thursday The main tunnel spans a length of 3.32 kilometres, with each of the two four-lane tubes measuring 2.45 kilometres. Additionally, there will be a 5.35 km link road at both the west and east ends of the main tunnel, along with a 727-metre-long flyover at the Anwara end. The tunnel is situated at a depth ranging from 18 to 31 metres beneath the Karnaphuli River. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina initiated the commencement of boring for the first or northern tunnel from Patenga to Anwara on February 24, 2019. The loan agreement had been signed on June 30, 2015, following a feasibility study of the project in 2011 and a Memorandum of Understanding in 2014. Construction work officially began on December 5, 2017, following the appointment of the contractor. This project is jointly funded by the Governments of Bangladesh and China (G2G), with a total cost of Tk 10,698 crore. The construction work for the tunnel is being carried out by the China Communication and Construction Company Limited (CCCC). The Government of Bangladesh is executing this project with the aim of creating a 'One City Two Towns' concept, similar to Shanghai in China, on either side of the Karnaphuli River. Also read: Elevated expressway marks first of 9 megaprojects to be inaugurated before election A total of 12 types of vehicles will be subject to toll charges when using the 3.43 km long Bangabandhu Tunnel. The minimum toll fee has been set at Tk200, applicable to private cars. Pickup trucks will also be charged Tk200 for each crossing, while microbuses will be charged Tk250. Buses with fewer than 31 seats will incur a toll of Tk300, while those with more than 32 seats will pay Tk400. Big buses with three axles will be charged a toll of Tk500. The toll for trucks capable of carrying goods up to five tonnes has been fixed at Tk400. Eight-ton trucks will have to pay Tk500 and 11-ton trucks will have to pay Tk600. A three-axle container trailer will cost Tk800. A four-axle trailer will cost Tk1,000. However, an additional Tk200 will have to be paid for each additional axle. The toll rate will come into effect on the day the tunnel is opened for vehicular movement. Read more: Toll rates fixed for Karnaphuli tunnel

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Saturday (September 09, 2023) said Bangladesh has gone into the sphere of great power. He said this while addressing a peace rally organized by Dhaka Metropolitan South Awami League at Bangabandhu Avenue in the capital on Saturday afternoon. The rally was held to protest against BNP-Jamaat's terrorism, militancy, anarchy, and continued anti-national conspiracies. Also read: BNP starts ‘new game’ using Dr Yunus: Quader “What will happen to the BNP now after seeing Joe Biden's selfie with Sheikh Hasina at the G20 summit? It's not a fall, it's a retreat. Now we just have to go backwards. Where did their waves go? I don't think people will come to their (BNP’s) mass rallies anymore,” said the AL leader. “BNP has brought an epidemic of lies across the country. Their leaders in villages also lie,” he said. Urging the party leaders and workers to be ready, the Awami League general secretary said, “The peace rally will continue till the next election. BNP leaders and activists are now seeing darkness. Not a single one will sleep at night. The night's sleep has been forbidden.” Also read: BNP wants to indulge in evil game of 1/11 with Dr Yunus at the helm: Quader “BNP talks about movement but preparing for elections. Candidates will be given in all seats. If there is no candidate, how will Tarique Rahman's nomination business be done? BNP has lost the game. Only elections are left. They will also lose the final,” said Quader. Awami League Presidium Member Matia Chowdhury, Advocate Kamrul Islam, Dr Mostafa Jalal Mohiuddin, among others, spoke at the rally. Also read: BNP is not happy with good news of increase in remittances: 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   

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

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.