Obaidul Quader
BNP MPs' decision to resign a 'mistake': Obaidul Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Monday said the BNP’s MPs made a mistake by resigning from the parliament and they will realise their mistake soon.
“BNP has drawn a graph of making everything stand still on December 10 but instead they got immobilised. The BNP MPs resigned but to boycott in such a way is a mistake. They will realise their mistake soon,” he said while addressing the Chattogram South District unit Awami League triennial council held at MA Aziz Gymnasium Stadium in Chattogram, after joining virtually.
Talking about the BNP’s 10-point demand, the Road Transport and Bridges Minister said there is nothing new in their demand, all are old and whether any will be taken under consideration will be checked.
The election will be held as per the constitution and Election Commission is the main strength of conducting the election. The government will just assist them, he said.
Like the BNP, Awami League also demanded neutral and fair elections, said Obaidul.
Meanwhile, Moslem Uddin Ahmed MP has been made the president while Mafizur Rahman was made the general secretary of the Chattogram South city unit Awami League from the council.
Resignation of BNP MPs is a wrong step: Obaidul Quader
Awami League General Secretary and Road, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday said that the resignation of five BNP MPs is nothing but just a drop in the ocean.
He said that such an action does not matter to Parliament.
Read: 5 BNP MPs’ resignation: Election to vacant seats within 90 days, EC says
The minister said this at a party meeting of Manikganj district Awami League on Sunday.
He said that the 26 MPs of the main opposition Jatiya Party are still there and they will not leave the Jatiya Sangsad. “So, it will not matter to Parliament,” he said.
“BNP MPs have made a mistake and those who suggested taking this action will soon regret it,” said Quader.
Read: 5 parliamentary seats now vacant after BNP MPs’ resignation: Speaker
He criticised the United States Ambassador’s statement and said, “The embassy expressed concern when it was the police that got attacked. Women are raped every day in the United States, people got killed publicly in Palestine. Where was the US' human rights concern then? They love Israel and do not punish their injustice.”
He claimed that there is no democratic norm in the BNP, and asked the foreigners to find out how the BNP will bring democracy in the country.
BNP 'half-defeated' through holding rally at Golapbagh: Obaidul Quader
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said that the BNP's Dhaka rally has failed and the party has been 'half-defeated' through it.
He said this at a public meeting of Dhaka District Awami League (AL) at Savar’s Radio Colony School and College Ground on Saturday.
“BNP wanted to hold their rally at Naya Paltan. They’ve been half-defeated by not being able to do so. They took preparations for hosting a picnic in the name of rally long before getting permission from police. This was proved after police found sacks of rice, lentils and cooking pots inside their Nayapaltan office,” Quader said.
Quader, also the General Secretary of the ruling AL, blamed BNP for Wednesday’s clash in his speech.
Read: BNP rally: Passengers suffer as movement of vehicles, launches remain suspended
“It was the BNP activists who attacked the police first. Will police sit idle when they are attacked? We know who are financing BNP to create this type of violence. We’ll take necessary steps against them when the time comes,” Quader added.
Quader further said that the decision of seven BNP members of parliament (MP) to resign from their posts will prove to be a big mistake.
“Don’t think that the parliament will become ineffective because of these resignations. Besides, now we know the lobbyist who had persuaded the United States to put sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion. His name is Toby Cadman. The secret has been revealed. BNP will have to pay the price for these mistakes,” Quader said.
Read: BNP urges start of ‘simultaneous anti-govt movement’ on Dec 24
DUring the war crimes trial, senior Jamaat-e-Islami leaders accused, convicted and later executed for war crimes and crimes against humanity in 1971 engaged Toby Cadman as a London-based legal advisor.
The meeting in Savar was presided over by Hasina Doula, President of Savar Upazila Awami League. Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzaque, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Enamur Rahman, AL’s Presidium Members Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Kamrul Islam, among others, were present during the meeting.
AL ready to tackle anarchy: Obaidul Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Friday asked his party leaders and activists to remain vigilant about the possible anarchy by the BNP ahead of Saturday’s anti-government rally.
He came up with the remark as chief guest while addressing a rally organised by Dhaka south unit AL in protest against the anarchy in the city.
Quader, also road, transport and bridges minister, said there was nothing to be panicked about on Saturday.
“We are in power, why should we want any unrest and disorder,” he asked.
“The BNP will eat up the whole country once they come to office, (but) they won’t be given the chance”, Quader said.
The AL general secretary also warned that the BNP will face dire consequence if they try to create chaos in the name of movement.
Read more: Don't undermine US-Bangla friendship with comments on local politcs: Quader asks US envoy
He warned against any attempt to carry sticks during Saturday’s rally.
Addressing diplomats in Dhaka, the minister asked the representatives of foreign countries not to take any side.
“We know how to protect democracy,” he said.
Quader said that some media outlets have stepped in to bring the BNP in power, and they will get a timely reply for this.
Read more: People are afraid of BNP’s Dec 10 rally: Obaidul Quader
With Dhaka south unit AL President Abu Ahmed Mannafi in the chair, presidium members Dr Abdur Razzak, Shahjahan Khan, Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Abdur Rahman, among others, addressed the rally.
Don't undermine US-Bangla friendship with comments on local politics: Quader asks US envoy
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Friday urged US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas not to harm the friendship with Bangladesh by making unwanted comments about Bangladesh elections and the rule of law.
He said this at the first preparatory meeting of the 22nd National Council at the political office of the party president in Dhanmondi in the morning.
Read more: US concerned about reports of intimidation, political violence in Dhaka
“Do not make unwanted comments or interfere in any issue of Bangladesh. Election fraud is not only happening in Bangladesh, but also in the United States. There is still another party complaining about election rigging in the US,” said Quader.
He said mass shootings are common in the US. “Every day two, three or five people are killed in mass shootings. But you are talking about the human rights of Bangladesh.”
“Sheikh Hasina will not listen to anybody's orders. She does not fear anyone except Allah.”
"We have bitter experiences with the US. We saw their role in 1971 and 1975. Despite all these incidents, we want a good relationship with the US.”
Read more: US Embassy issues alert for its citizens in Bangladesh
He also said no one will benefit from this type of comment. These will only be a barrier to good relations.
Bangladesh wants to maintain friendship with the US, he added.
On Thursday, the US Embassy in Dhaka expressed its concern over reports of intimidation and political violence in Dhaka and called on everyone to respect the rule of law.
"We are concerned about reports of intimidation and political violence in Dhaka and call on everyone to respect the rule of law and to refrain from violence, harassment, and intimidation," Haas said in a message through the verified Facebook page of the Embassy on Thursday.
He said they encourage government authorities to investigate these reports of violence and to protect the fundamental freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
BNP's Dec 10 rally: Obaidul Quader optimistic about a wayout for venue
Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said on Tuesday that the dispute over allocating space for BNP’s rally on December 10 will be resolved soon.
“A problem surfaced over the venue for BNP’s December 10 rally and there is no solution yet,” he said while talking to reporters after a meeting with newly appointed Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Kumar Verma at the Secretariat.
Replying to a question, the minister said “I am always optimistic, and I am optimistic over it. Whatever the situation is, a solution will come out.”
Read more: BNP to avoid AL's trap over December-10 rally: Gayeshwar
“There is no reason for the people to panic. On behalf of my party, I want to say that we are in power, why would we want to create any unrest? Why will we do something that could create panic? We don’t need that,” he said.
“Now, if anybody attacks us, if there is any instigation, if they jump on us, will we sit idle? We hope the opposition will hold their rally peacefully,” he said.
Referring to the visit of the Indian High Commissioner, Quader said “There are many projects under road communication , and we have discussed the progress of the projects. We also discussed the Teesta issue. In reply to the Teesta issue, he said he will try his best (to resolve it).”
On September 27, BNP announced a series of public rallies in 10 divisional cities. The party will conclude the divisional programmes by holding its last rally in Dhaka on December 10.
Police in Dhaka have asked BNP to hold the rally at Suhrawardy Udyan, but BNP is determined to dol its rally in front of its party headquarters at Naya Paltan in Dhaka.
Read more: December-10 rally: BNP delegation sits with IGP
The BNP has long been demanding that the next general election be held under a caretaker government, not under any political government--a demand sharply rejected by the ruling Awami League as the constitution does not contain any such provision.
Strong vigilance everywhere from tomorrow to thwart BNP’s sabotage plan: Quader
The government will ensure strong vigilance everywhere in the country from tomorrow to prevent sabotage plan of BNP, said Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Tuesday.
"Get ready for the month of victory. Vigilance will be ensured in all allies, districts, cities, wards, unions, upazilas, thanas from tomorrow," he said.
Read more: People are afraid of BNP’s Dec 10 rally: Obaidul Quader
Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, was speaking at the 30th National Council of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the student wing of Bangladesh Awami League, at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also the AL president, inaugurated the council around 11:30am.
Quader said, “We must save Sheikh Hasina. The lives and property of the country must be protected. So stay careful.”
"Two days ago, the foundation stone of Dhaka-Sylhet road was blown up at midnight. Who did this? They are the sponsors of militancy; they are the source of communalism. Who are they, they are Bangladesh ‘Nalish’ Party (BNP)," he said.
“BNP calls a mass rally, but it turns into a rally. And the Awami League calls a rally, in reality it becomes a mass assembly.”
Read more: 'Smart Bangladesh': Quader reveals AL's slogan for next election
Regarding the country’s shrinking forex reserve, Quader said reserves are increasing again, export earnings are on the rise too and the amount of remittance is increasing day by day.
Quader urged the BCL leaders and activists to bring the old glory of BCL back.
BCL president Al-Nahean Khan Joy presided over the opening session conducted by its general secretary Lekhak Bhattacharjee. The last BCL national council was held in May, 2018.
People are afraid of BNP’s Dec 10 rally: Obaidul Quader
Awami League General Secretary and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said on Monday that people are afraid of BNP's rally as the party is the sponsor of militancy and communalism. He made the remark after paying tribute to the leader when he visited the grave on the occasion of the 59th death anniversary of Hossain Shaheed Suhrawardy on Monday.
Read more: 'Smart Bangladesh': Quader reveals AL's slogan for next election BNP wants to hold its public rally in Dhaka’s Nayapaltan on December 10. But the government has given BNP permission to hold the rally at Suhrawardy Udyan. They will not be exempted if they cause disorder in the name of rally, he said. Quader said that under BNP’s rule elections were farce and Awami League activists were not allowed to stay at home with false cases. He said that obstacles have been created step by step in the development of democracy in Bangladesh. After Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina returned home in 1981, Shaheed Suhrawardy started fighting for democracy.
Read more: BNP won't be allowed to orchestrate violence surrounding December 10 rally: Quader "He traveled all over the country and campaigned for the values of the liberation war, for the ideal of liberation war and for democracy. He united the people and freed the shackles of democracy. Terming Hossain Suhrawardy as the son of democracy, the minister said that there is a mystery about the death of Suhrawardy. “We still do not know whether there is any conspiracy behind it or not,” he said.
'Smart Bangladesh': Quader reveals AL's slogan for next election
Ruling Awami League's slogan ahead of the next election will reflect the country's development journey under it and portend the next stage in its evolution, according to the party's General Secretary Obaidul Quader.
"We have accomplished the aim of Digital Bangladesh. We have four-lane highway, six-lane highway, metro rail, Karnaphuli Tunnel, Ruppur Nuclear power plant and Bangabandhu satellite. Now, our next aim is to accomplish 'Smart Bangladesh'. Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has defined the slogan for Chhatra League and during its reign, it will be the main slogan of the next national election," Quader said.
He made this statement while speaking as the chief guest at the Dhaka University Chhatra League's annual council in front of the Oporajeyo Bangla monument today.
"All committees of Bangladesh Chhatra League including central Unit, Dhaka city north unit, Dhaka city south unit and Dhaka University unit will be declared together after the annual council of BCL which will be held on December 6," he said while speaking about BCL council.
Read more: Just wearing a Mujib coat doesn’t make one a true AL activist: Quader
"We have rescheduled the BCL annual council on December 6 to make a distance between BCL and BNP. BCL will not do anything to them," he added.
Regarding the BNP council on December 10, Obaidul Quader said, "We requested them to arrange their council at Suhrawardy Udyan but they do not like it. They like Paltan because they feel more safe there to create anarchy and to stock their bamboo and sticks."
“Suhrawardy Udyan is the place which is related to our independence and liberation but Fakhrul does not like it because it’s related to the liberation. Fakhrul addressed the Suhrawardy Udyan as a cage. Then why did Khaleda Zia attend programs at Suhrawardy Udyan during the previous Election?” he questioned.
He also said that Awami League does not fear Paltan but AL fears violence of BNP activists and leaders.
Read more: No transport strike during BNP’s Dhaka rally: Obaidul Quader
"If they try to break discipline and create anarchy we will not just see. We are ready to respond to them accordingly,” he added. "Whatever they do, the constitution will not be changed and caretaker government will not be allowed as it has been legally banned."
He also said that December is the month of victory and independence.
Just wearing a Mujib coat doesn’t make one a true AL activist: Quader
Road Transport and Bridges Minister and Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today (November 29, 2022) said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina always works to serve the people of the country, not as a ruler, so AL activists must sincerely work for the nation.
“Just wearing a Mujib coat doesn’t prove that you are a true soldier of Bangabandhu. To be a ‘Mujib’s soldier’, one must uphold his ideals,” Quader said while speaking as the chief guest at the tri-annual conference of Noakhali town and Sadar upazila unit of Awami League.
Quader joined the conference virtually from his official residence in Dhaka.
Read more: No transport strike during BNP’s Dhaka rally: Obaidul Quader
“We will counter misinformation from BNP’s Mirza Fakhrul with truth and constructive action,” the AL leader and minister said.
Referring to the “killings of 21,000 AL leaders and activists by BNP,” Obaidul Quader said that during BNP’s last 5-year tenure, AL leaders and activists could not stay at home even for 50 days.
Regarding BNP’s recent countrywide movement, Quader said that they have no issues with peaceful protests, but if BNP “plays with fire and resorts to violence, we are prepared, and a fitting reply will be given to protect the lives and property of the people.”
Read more: PM instructed to move BCL council from Dec 8 to 6 to facilitate BNP’s Dhaka rally: Quader
Abdul Wadud Pintu, president of Noakhali Municipal Awami League, presided over the conference while Awami League Organizing Secretary Abu Saeed Al Mahmud Swapan, Agriculture and Cooperative Affairs Secretary Faridunnahar Laili, Noakhali District Awami League Convener AHM Khairul Anam Chowdhury Salim, Joint Convener Shihab Uddin Shaheen, Sahid Ullah Khan Sohail and Member of Parliament Ekramul Karim Chowdhury, also spoke.