Staff Reporter :
The Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister, ObaidulQuader, issued a stern warning to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), cautioning against staging any political programmes or movements during the holy month of Ramadan.
Quader expressed concerns that such actions would further isolate the BNP and diminish public support for the party.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting of Awami League secretaries in Bangabandhu Avenue, Quaderemphasised the importance of maintaining the sanctity of Ramadan and urged political parties, especially the BNP, to refrain from disruptive activities during this sacred period.
“The BNP’s public support will continuously decrease if the party stages any political movement during the month of holy Ramadan,” warned Quader, highlighting the potential consequences of such actions on the party’s standing.
Addressing recent violence in the Supreme Court Bar election, Quader asserted that the government is committed to a “zero-tolerance” policy against all forms of violence and crimes.
He declared that individuals responsible for creating violence would be treated as criminals, and the government is determined to bring them to justice.
“Criminals are criminals. No one will be spared, and the Prime Minister is very strict in this regard,” Quader affirmed, signalling the government’s unwavering stance against criminal activities.
Responding to concerns about rising prices of essentials during Ramadan, Quader assured the public that the government is actively working to keep commodity prices under control. He pointed out that the prices of fuel have been reduced despite the global crisis, contrasting it with the alleged failures during BNP’s tenure.
Quader also announced a departure from the tradition of organisingiftar parties by the Awami League, following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s directive. Instead, the focus will be on distributing iftar and relief items to the poor and common people.
Regarding recent local government elections in Mymensingh and Cumilla, Quader dismissed rumours about low voter turnout, stating that the Election Commission reported a 60 percent turnout in those elections. He highlighted the peaceful conduct of the elections despite alleged propaganda both domestically and internationally.
On the topic of BNP leaders’ arrests, Quader asserted that it is the responsibility of any patriot government to apprehend individuals involved in criminal activities, terrorism, or arson attacks. He accused top BNP leaders of continuously lying about the arrests.
The meeting was attended by several key figures from the Awami League, including Joint Secretaries Dr. Hasan Mahmud and AFM BahauddinNasim, Organizing Secretaries BM MozammelHaque, S M Kamal Hossain, Abu Saeed Al Mahmud Swapan, and Sujit Roy Nandi, as well as Office Secretary Barrister Biplob Barua.
