Quader
Conspiracies being hatched to unseat government: Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader Wednesday said conspiracies are being hatched to remove the government.
"To combat the conspiracies, we must plan and fortify our resistance. No force will be able to defeat the Awami League if it stays united," Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, added while speaking at the triennial conference of Kabirhat upazila unit of the ruling party online.
The conference was held at Kabirhat High School in Noakhali.
Read more: Quader promises to finish BNP's movement in December
Quader asks party to be careful with words during crisis
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Saturday called upon the leaders, activists and followers to be careful with their speech during the current crisis.
Obaidul Quader said these things in a discussion meeting at the central office of Awami League on Bangabandhu Avenue in the capital on Saturday in a programme organised by Mahila Sramik League on the occasion of Mourning Day.
"I will tell our leaders and workers that everyone should play responsible role in their speech and behavior. At this time, it is not appropriate to speak irresponsibly and show power. You have to stand by people with a cool head. We have to work for people, this is our biggest message today,' he said.
Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, commented that the cost of living has increased as the government was helpless.
"The whole world is in crisis. A negative impact is facing Bangladesh today. We know many people are suffering. As the cost of living has gone up, it is right that people are suffering. But there was no way in front of us," he added.
Highlighting the situation of the comparative price increase in different countries of the world, the general secretary of Awami Lespeecht said the river Rhine is drying up today, ships cannot move there. Most of Italy's 15 lakes have dried up. Fires are still burning in southwestern France.
Mentioning the sincere trial of Sheikh Hasina to overcome this crisis, Obaidul Quader also said, Price increase in America. Apart from UK, Germany, France, our neighboring country Sri Lanka, Pakistan, nobody is comfortable today. The people of Bangladesh are suffering. The bes efforts were taken to tackle the situation.
Claiming that BNP is plotting to overthrow the government without standing by the people, he said that many countries of the world are plagued with problems today. And based on this, the French opposition did not overthrow the government. Opposition parties in the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and Japan did not hold protests.
He said, "We wanted co-operation. All countries in this world have extended their hands to help in the crisis. And in Bangladesh they (BNP) are plotting to overthrow the government.
Warning BNP,Obaidul Quader said that none of us are trying to stop the peaceful movement.
"But if you want to come down and deal with fire-terrorism, then I will say...the people's resistance will turn into a tsunami and a befitting reply will be given,' he explained.
Read: Not worried over allies’ protesting fuel price hike: Obaidul Quader
Regarding Bangabandhu's murder, Obaidul Quader said, 'How did these murderers escape? Who sent to Thailand? General Ziaur Rahman. Ziaur Rahman rewarded the murderers. Later take power."
Mahila Sramik League President Suraiya Akhter presided over the programme.
Next election will be held on time: Quader
Awami League (AL) general secretary Obaidul Quader Tuesday asserted that nothing could disrupt the next national election "which will be held on time as per the constitution".
"Statements issued by the BNP like the government is afraid of their movement (over rising fuel prices) are hilarious. BNP's threats to bring down the government or stall the election are empty. In fact, we all are aware of their capabilities," he told reporters at his residence this morning.
On the energy crisis, the Minister of Road Transport and Bridges said that "this is no more country-centric but the entire world is facing the same". "The BNP and its allies are blaming the Bangladesh government without realising this reality."
Read: An EC under partisan govt can’t hold credible election: BNP
On corruption, Quader urged the BNP leaders to cite specific instances. "We have a zero tolerance policy on corruption."
On the fare hike in view of rising fuel prices, the Minister said that transport owners and workers should respect the decision taken by the government and not charge excess fare from the public. "Else we will be forced to take legal action."
He also vowed to crack down on perpetrators of heinous crimes like rape on public transport vehicles.
Quader defends sudden fuel price hike as step to halt losses
Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader on Sunday said that the government had no other alternative to raising the fuel price offset the losses amid global energy crunch.
The government will adjust the fuel price accordingly if the price decreases in the international market, said during a briefing at his residence.
Quader, who is also the minister of Road Transport and Bridges, said that owing to the Russia-Ukraine war, the price of fuel oil became unstable in the world market. This, in turn, has affected the exchange rate of the US dollar against the Bangladesh currency forcing the state-run Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) to count losses.
Also read: Fuel price hike: Another blow to struggling Bhola fishermen
The minister said that due to the high price of fuel oil in neighbouring countries, there was a risk of smuggling from Bangladesh.
BPC, he said, incurred a loss of about Tk 9,000 crore from February 22 to July 22 because of the global fuel price hike.
The AL leader highlighted the current pricing of fuel oil in different countries and said that the price of diesel per litre in Myanmar is TK112.56 in India TK114. 49, in Sri Lanka TK 117.49 , in Arab Emirates TK122, in Nepal TK127.82, in Singapore TK189.78 and TK260.75 in Hong Kong.
He said the government had earlier adjusted the price on November 4, 2021 and before that on April 25, 2016, it had reduced the price of diesel after it fell in the international market. In the future too, if the price falls in the global market, the price will be adjusted by reducing the price in the domestic market.
Also read: Fuel price hike: Govt raises bus fares
Quader admitted that the fuel price increase will impact various sectors of the economy. The government is aware of the and it is trying to keep the negative affects at a low level.
He said that according to experts, the price of energy will start stabilizing in the world market soon, raising hope for Bangladesh.
He said the fuel price rise has led to the increase in the passenger fare in public buses.
The minister warned that legal action would be taken if any transport operator charges more than the coordinated fare.
He responded to BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir's allegation that the government has turned into a monster.
In a counterattack he accused BNP of turning the country into a monster by killing people, destroying public property and burning people alive.
Quader stated that those who started politics with killings are the real monsters.
He also said that those who were champions of corruption find the corruption now in all government activities.
Gulshan cafe attack: Quader pays tributes to Japanese mass transit experts
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has paid tribute to seven Japanese mass rapid transit experts killed in the Holey Artisan Bakery attack in Dhaka's Gulshan.
The attack, the deadliest night of terror in Bangladesh's history, saw 22 civilians killed, the majority of them foreigners residing in or visiting the capital's diplomatic quarter around Gulshan-Baridhara.
The Japanese nationals were part of a survey team of the Dhaka Mass Rapid Transit Development Project.
Quader, also Awami League general secretary, Monday placed wreaths at the newly-built monument at the metro rail depot in Diabari, Uttara.
Read: 'BNP desperate to grab power': Obaidul Quader
The world lost seven mass rapid transit experts with the death of the Japanese nationals, he said.
Condemning all terrorist acts the minister said the Bangladesh government has stuck to its policy of zero tolerance against terrorism.
Japan International Cooperation Agency President Tanaka Akihiko, Honda Taro, parliamentary vice-minister for foreign affairs of Japan, Kishida Fumio, on behalf of the prime minister of Japan, Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki, and Metrorail Project Managing Director MAN Siddique also spoke on the occasion.
BNP, other political parties to be invited to Padma Bridge inaugural function: Quader
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Saturday said the BNP which opposed the construction of the Padma Bridge and other political parties will get invitation at the Padma Bridge inaugural function.
He said this at a programme in response to a question from journalists.
Responding to another question, Quader, also Awami League general secretary, said the BNP’s dream to come to power by threatening to assassinate Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will turn into a nightmare.
Also read: Price Hike: BNP asks AL to learn from 1974 famine
Referring to the BNP as a big party, Quader said, "We also want them to come to the polls. If they want change of power, there is no alternative to participate in the polls."
“The BNP is threatening to assassinate Sheikh Hasina at home and abroad. They are threatening to stage a repeat of August 15," he also said.
He called upon the BNP secretary general to control those who are making such statements.
Earlier, Quader was present as the chief guest at a certificate distribution ceremony among trained women drivers organized by BRAC.
Also read: Quader: BNP misinterprets PM’s Padma Bridge remarks about Khaleda
BRAC Executive Director Ashif Saleh presided over the event titled “Graduation of Women Drivers: A Step Towards Road Safety” at the BRAC Center in the capital.
Later, the minister distributed certificates among the women drivers trained at BRAC Driving School.
Quader: BNP misinterprets PM’s Padma Bridge remarks about Khaleda
Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader on Friday said that BNP leaders are trying to create confusion by a motivated misinterpretation of the prime minister’s remarks on Khlaeda Zia in regard to Padma Bridge.
“BNP is even making up so-called threat to murder narrative in a deliberate manner,” Quader said in a statement asserting that Awami League does not believe in repression of the opposition.
Quader said it was rather BNP which started the politics of coup, killing, conspiracy and elimination of the opposition.
He said that the politics of killing was initiated under the leadership of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman after the assassination of Bangabandhu and most of his family members on 15 August, 1975.
Noting that the identified quarters are still conspiring against the interests and welfare of the people, the Awami League general secretary said that the prime minister wanted to expose this anti-national group through her speech.
No conspiracy can hold a nation back if an honest, courageous and patriotic leader is in charge, he said.
Also Read: Roads better than ever, BNP lost their way: Obaidul Quader
Quader said that the BNP secretary general and his leaders were creating confusion by misinterpreting the statement made by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the successful construction of Padma Bridge overcoming all obstacles.
Mentioning that all the achievements of Bangladesh in the last four decades have been achieved only under the leadership of Hasina, the AL leader further said that Bangladesh is moving towards development, progress and prosperity.
He said that no conspiracy or propaganda can stop this march of progress.
Tarique to top any list of Bangladesh money launderers: Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Monday said the name of Tarique Rahman, a convicted fugitive leader of BNP, will come on top in any list of money launderers of Bangladesh.
Quader’s rebuff came in response to BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s demand that the government publishes a list of those who siphoned off money from the country.
Quader, who is also road transport and bridges minister, was addressing virtually the triennial council of Meherpur district unit of Awami League.
Also read: Khaleda will be PM if BNP returns to power: Mosharraf
The AL general secretary also urged BNP secretary general to provide proofs and evidences before raising any allegations.
About fugitive businessman PK Halder who was detained in India, Quader said Halder has no relation with the ruling party. He is rather identified as a money launderer. Halder's trial will be held as per law, he mentioned, he said.
Quader called upon the party leaders and workers to make it well-organized and smarter as part of preparations for the next parliamentary elections under the leadership of party president Sheikh Hasina.
Saying 'those who have involvement with extortion, drug peddling, smuggling and terrorism will have no room in AL, Quader urged the local leaders to evaluate good and dedicated politicians in forming new committees.
Also read: Publish the list of Money launderers, BNP asks govt
Meherpur district AL President and State Minister for Public Administration Farhad Hossain chaired the council while AL Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Organizing Secretary BM Mozammel Haque, Central Working Committee Members Amirul Islam Milon, Advocate Gloria Sarker Jharna and Parvin Jaman Kalpana and Meherpur district AL General Secretary MA Khaleque were present.
Japanese envoy meets Quader
Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Naoki on Thursday met Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader and discussed Japan's cooperation in economic development.
Issues related to Kanchpur, Meghna, Second Gumti bridges and Dhaka Metro Rail were discussed.
They sought to promote further collaboration on infrastructure through public–private partnership (PPP) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) funding.
Read: Jaishankar in city to meet PM Hasina
"Japan has been the largest development partner for Bangladesh, and we will continue to work closely with the government and the people of Bangladesh," said Ambassador Naoki.
Quader expressed appreciation for Japan's contribution to Bangladesh's infrastructure and economic development.
Quader leaves for Singapore for health check-up
Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader left for Singapore on Friday morning for a routine health check-up.
Awami League office secretary Biplob Barua said that Quader, also Road Transport and Bridges Minister, left Dhaka on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight around 8.30am.
Also read: Padma Bridge to be opened to traffic in June, Quader reiterates
"He has gone for a routine health check-up at Mount Elizabeth Hospital. For a long time, he was unable to travel to Singapore for a follow-up checkup due to the Covid outbreak. He will return soon," said Biplob.
The 69-year-old AL leader has been suffering from chronic heart and lung problems for a long time. In 2019, three blockages were found in his coronary arteries.
Also read: Uphold non-communal spirit of Liberation War, says Quader