Obaidul Quader
Govt investigating whether BNP has connections with syndicates, hoarding: Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Thursday (March 14, 2024) said the government is trying to identify those who are involved in market syndicates and investigating whether BNP has any link to the syndicates and hoarders.
The AL leader said this while speaking at an opinion exchange meeting at the Awami League's central office at Bangabandhu Avenue.
BNP will get more isolated if it continues movement during Ramadan: Quader
Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, expressed worries that such syndicates could attempt to destabilise the government and disrupt the progress of the elected government.
Regarding the surge in commodity prices, the minister said the governmen under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is working to bring the commodity prices within the reach of common people.
On the issue of commodity price control, Quader referenced his recent visit to Singapore, where he observed a significant rise in commodity prices.
“Efforts are being made to control prices in our country. The government is not inactive here. The Prime Minister is giving time to deal with the crisis. We have no negligence here. The whole world is facing the rise in gas, fuel and commodity prices. This crisis is also going on in the US, Europe, the other developed countries,” he said.
Responding to questions about the recent hijacking of Bangladeshi ship and crew in Somalia, the minister assured that the Foreign Ministry is engaged in securing their release.
He said 23 crew members have insurance coverage, and efforts are underway to ensure their safe return.
Hasan Mahmud says Ganatantra Mancha attacked police to incite chaos
Regarding the negative impact on relation with the US over the conviction of Dr Yunus, the minister said,” Dr Yunus is a person. I want to who he is in the US. He is a citizen of Bangladesh. Bangladesh has its own law and court and law is equal for all.”
BNP stuck in quicksand of wrong politics: Quader
Terming BNP a major political party till now, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Monday said they are inactive now and made mistakes.
"They (BNP) are actually stuck in the quicksand of wrong politics," he said.
The minister made these remarks while talking to journalists at the Secretariat this afternoon.
15 BNP men died in police custody 'for lack of care or torture': Rizvi
Regarding BNP's leaflet distribution programme, he said the BNP's politics is going deep into the ditch. "Before it was on the edge of the ditch but now it is going deep into the ditch," he added.
When asked about BNP's 15 leaders and activists dead in police custody, Obaidul Quader said: "Where and how did they die? Which prison or custody? Throwing stones in the dark will not make it happen."
Regarding Metrorail, Quader said initiatives are underway to reduce the movement frequency of metro rail in view of growing commuters' dependence on its service.
AL business syndicates out to make money hiking commodity prices: BNP
He also said the coach numbers could not be increased due to technical reasons but the steps were taken to run a train every eight minutes while the current frequency is 10 minutes.
Quader, also the Awami League General Secretary, said increasing the number of metro coaches depends on technical matters.
"There is no metro rail in the world with more than 5 compartments but we have already been running with six coaches," he said.
The minister, however, said due to the increased demand, work is going on whether the frequency of the movement of metro rail can be reduced to 8 minutes from 10 minutes.
BNP announces six-day fresh programme beginning Tuesday
About the prices of essentials, the AL general secretary said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has already directed the authorities concerned to take effective steps to control the price hike.
"But the market cannot be controlled overnight. Many things depend on the world situation. The government is working by giving priority to public interest," he said.
Whether the size of the cabinet is expanding or not, Quader said the premier can say it but the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Ministry of Culture may have ministers in the future.
He also said that winners from reserved women's seats can become ministers.
Biden’s letter to PM Hasina: ‘What will BNP say now?’ asks Quader
In a significant gesture of international diplomacy, US President Joe Biden has extended a letter of commitment to work in unison with Bangladesh across various sectors, including the economy. This announcement has sparked a pointed query from Obaidul Quader, general secretary of Awami League and the Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, directed towards the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP): “What will BNP say now?”
Committed to supporting Bangladesh's economic goals, Biden writes to PM Hasina
During a press interaction at the Awami League President’s office in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, earlier today (February 05), Quader criticized the BNP leadership for their absence and evasion, questioning the source of their confidence in regaining power. He remarked, “The people have already distanced themselves from you. Your international allies have also turned their backs. The US has now pledged to work alongside Sheikh Hasina’s government. What hope does the BNP have for returning to power?”
Quader also expressed concern over the recent conflicts near the Myanmar border, where violence has forced citizens from several Bangladeshi villages to flee. The ongoing internal conflict in Myanmar, resulting in gunfire and mortar shells landing within Bangladeshi territory, has prompted communication between the foreign ministries of Bangladesh and Myanmar. “The conflict is Myanmar’s internal issue, but its resolution should ensure that the panic does not spill over to neighboring countries,” Quader added, mentioning the potential role of the United Nations in mediating a solution.
Programmes on streets without permission won’t be allowed: Quader
Addressing the issue of the Rohingya refugees amid Myanmar’s continued unrest, the minister firmly stated that Bangladesh would not show leniency in accepting more refugees: “We cannot bear this burden anymore.”
In response to a question about negative activities within the student wing of the ruling party at Jahangirnagar University, Quader emphasized Awami League’s zero tolerance for misconduct. “Not everyone in a party can be virtuous, but we do not condone wrongdoing. Any criminal activity should be dealt with according to the law. No one has been spared for committing crimes while we are in power,” he asserted.
Can the new Parliament perform its role perfectly, wonders GM Quader
The meeting was also attended by Awami League’s Organizational Secretary BM Mozammel Haque, SM Kamal Hossain, and other central and metropolitan leaders.
Programmes on streets without permission won’t be allowed: Quader
The government will not allow freestyle political programmes on the streets without permission, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said on Wednesday.
"BNP’s black-flag procession is illegal. There is no reason to think that they (BNP) will protest on the streets without taking permission and we will accept it," he warned.
Obaidul, also Awami League general secretary, was talking at a press briefing at the AL President's office in Dhanmondi this afternoon.
BNP and Jamaat still haven’t uttered a single word against genocide in Palestine: Foreign Minister
Earlier, police did not allow the BNP to take out processions at seven points of the capital on Tuesday, the day of the 12th parliament went into its maiden session, citing a lack of permission for the street programme.
The BNP and like-minded opposition parties were supposed to take out processions holding black flags across the country, including in the capital on Tuesday demanding a fresh election under a non-party government.
No one can oust constitutionally elected government: Quader
The AL general secretary said no one termed the 12th parliamentary election flawed, not even the United States.
After the results of the election, US Ambassador Peter Haas congratulated the Prime Minister and met with some ministers including the Foreign Minister.
Regarding price control of essentials, he said, the Prime Minister has given the necessary instructions to the ministries concerned and they have already started to work.
“The situation will not change overnight. The government is not just talking but it is in action,” he added.
“Stern action would be taken against the illegal hoarders and law violators,” the minister warned.
BNP can contest polls again after 5 years: Hasan Mahmud
Regarding the nomination of the Awami League for reserved women seats, the general secretary of the party said that Awami League will give importance and priority to those who have been tested and sacrificed for the party.
Among others, Awami League organizing secretary BM Mozammel Haque, SM Kamal Hossain, Mirza Azam, Sujit Roy Nandi, and office secretary Barrister Biplab Barua were present at that time.
BNP to be restricted strictly if it commits violence in the name of movement: Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Friday said the BNP will be resisted strictly if it creates violent situation in the name of movement.
He came up with the warning while distributing winter clothes among cold-stricken people in Dhandmondi of Dhaka on Friday morning.
The relief and social welfare affairs sub-committee of the AL arranged the programme.
Quader returns home from Singapore after routine health checkup
BNP has no hope at the moment, he said adding that they are now holding procession with black flags, this is a procession of mourning. “Thus they themselves are telling the nation that we are defeated,” he said .
Rejecting the BNP’s claim about the number of arrested party leaders and activists, the AL leader said who set fire to trains, buses, killed police by beating and attacked the residence of the Chief Justice are in jail.
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He also asked the BNP to face it legally.
“In which country punishment is not given for committing crimes? Should we release them as per America’s advice,” said Quader.
Global leaders congratulating new govt is driving BNP insane: Hasan Mahmud
Chaired by AL Relief and Social Welfare Affairs Secretary Aminul Islam Amin, the party’s Organizing Secretary Sujit Roy Nandi, lawmaker Ferdous Ahmed and members of the sub-committee were present on the occasion.
Quader returns home from Singapore after routine health checkup
Road, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader returned home from Singapore on Thursday evening after a routine health checkup in Mount Elizabeth Hospital.
Ershad, Khaleda rewarded main perpetrator of Ctg mass killings: Foreign Minister
A Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight carrying the minister landed in Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) from Singapore in the evening, said a media release signed by Sheikh Wahlid Fayez, senior information officer of the ministry.
Global leaders congratulating new govt is driving BNP insane: Hasan Mahmud
Quader, also general secretary of Awami League, left Dhaka for Singapore on January 23 for going through his health check-up, reads the release.
Party symbol to be withheld in upazila elections: Quader
Jatiya Party to be main opposition in parliament: Quader
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Monday said the political party that got second highest number of seats in the election will be the main opposition in parliament.
“The party that secured the second highest number of seats in the election will be the main opposition party. Independent candidates will remain as independent. If you consider parties, Jatiya Party will be the main opposition ,” he said.
Rowshan Ershad urges Jatiya Party leaders to remain united
Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, said these at a press briefing at the Awami League president's office in Dhanmondi in the capital this noon.
He said BNP is now spreading rumours at home and abroad by indulging in anti-government activities.
'India deepened ties with AL, not people of Bangladesh': Rizvi
“Rumour terrorism has been associated with their arson terrorism,”
Commodity prices are rising all over the world. But they are spreading propaganda by saying this situation is a potential famine,he said replying to a question from journalists.
BNP’s social media handles spreading lies and disinformation, Sajeeb Wazed says
“If BNP had moved forward with positive politics, it would not have fallen so suddenly. In trying to topple the government, they have fallen into the pit of collapse,” he added.
Govt has no discomfort over US statement about election: Quader
The Awami League government is not in the slightest discomfort over the statement of the United States about the January 7 parliamentary election, said AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Friday.
In a statenent Washington has recently said the 12th parliamentary polls were not free or fair.
Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, said this at a press conference at the AL president's office at Dhanmondi in the capital.
BNP will continue street protests to restore democracy: Moyeen Khan
“We have a relationship with the United States. We are patient enough to make the relationship better. And US ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas talked about taking the relationship with Bangladesh forward,” he said.
“BNP's non-participation in the election was part of a conspiracy against the country's sovereignty. Even after the election, the evil forces identified under the leadership of BNP are trying to make the election controversial,” said the AL leader.
World Bank to continue to help Bangladesh in economic development: Finance Minister
“There were local and foreign forces in play to install an unelected person in power in an undemocratic way,” he said.
“Sheikh Hasina has proved that an election is possible under an elected government. If BNP had participated in this election, it would have been more competitive. However, the election was not voter-free and uncontested in their absence,” added Quader.
Regarding BNP's being quiet, AL general secretary said, “They (BNP) are now gathering strength for major violence. I want them to return to positive politics from negative politics,” he also said.
Govt to go tough on price hike and hoarding: State Minister of Commerce
“We don't have time to waste on the crisis. Those in responsible positions should talk about responsibility,” he said.
AL Organizing Secretaries BM Mozammel Haque, Mirza Azam, Afzal Hossain, Sujit Roy Nandi and Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua, among others, were present at the press conference.
'BNP agent’: Quader calls TIB
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.
Election train reaches its destination: Quader
The train for the 12th parliamentary election has already reached its destination, so the BNP will have to wait for another five years for the next train, said Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader.
He was speaking at a joint meeting organised with central leaders and top leaders of the AL's Dhaka city units and its affiliated bodies at the party's Bangabandhu Avenue central office in the capital on Wednesday.
He said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has introduced the process of holding free and fair elections in the country.
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"In this election, we saw that the candidature of a ruling party candidate was cancelled and some candidates were issued show-cause notices for breaching the electoral code of conduct. Sheikh Hasina has established a new example through this election. It is possible to hold fair elections in this country only under Sheikh Hasina," he said.
Quader, also the road, transport and bridges minister, said that many countries have congratulated the newly elected government except a party of Bangladesh.
Even the US Ambassador in Dhaka Peter Haas congratulated the new government, he said.
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BNP did not join the elections sensing its defeat and those who boycotted the polls are saying different things, he added.
The election was a competitive one where many independent candidates were elected, while the AL had to take a new strategy as the opposition party boycotted it, he said.
The election was held following the constitution and it was peaceful except for a couple of isolated incidents, Quader said.
The AL general secretary said that the country's people have no involvement with the BNP and that is why it has been turned into a party of frustrated ones.
BNP-Jamaat’s evil designs will go in vain: Hasan Mahmud
AL presidium members Begum Matia Chowdhury, Dr Abdur Razzaque, Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya, Dr Mustafa Jalal Mohiuddin, Qamrul Islam, Jahangir Kabir Nanak and Abdur Rahman, joint general secretaries Dr Hasan Mahmud, Mahbubul Alam Hanif, AFM Bahauddin Nasim and Dr Dipu Moni, and organizing secretaries BM Mozammel Haque, Mirza Azam, Afzal Hossain and Sujit Roy Nandi, among others, were present at that time.