Staff reporter :
In a fiery exchange of words, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has challenged the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) over its assertion regarding the number of imprisoned party members.
Quader demanded either an apology from BNP or a comprehensive list of the purported 60 lakh jailed activists, casting doubt on the credibility of BNP’s claims.
Addressing reporters at the Awami League President’s political office in Dhanmondi, Quader, who also serves as the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, vehemently rejected the BNP’s assertion of having 60 lakh incarcerated members.
He questioned the sudden inflation of figures, stating that the previously stated number of imprisoned BNP leaders was around 20,000.
“The number of BNP’s captive leaders was 20,000, and how did it become 60 lakh? So, reveal the list of 60 lakh jailed
activists; otherwise, Mirza Fakhrul Islam must have to seek an apology to the nation for his falsehood,” Quader emphasised, referring to the BNP Secretary General.
Quader further criticised BNP’s stance on significant historical events in Bangladesh, particularly its refusal to acknowledge the significance of Mujibnagar Day on April 17 and June 7, the historic Six-Point Day. He accused the BNP of neglecting the spirit of Bengali culture and engaging in destructive politics that undermine the country’s Liberation War heritage.
“Sharply criticising that the BNP was born to destroy the Spirit of Liberation of Bangladesh, the road transport and bridges minister said they want to strike at the root of the land [Bangladesh].
‘Suddenly one became an announcer of our independence through blowing a whistle, and it was the role of BNP in 1971’,” the article quoted Quader.
Responding to a query regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, Quader reiterated the Awami League’s stance on prioritising peace over war, emphasising the government’s commitment to stability and harmony.
