GM Quader
Govt doesn't want a normal election: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Sunday said the Awami League government does not want a normal general election to be held in the country as it has lost confidence in itself.
"The EVM is a machine for peaceful vote-rigging. After losing confidence in itself, the government does not want normal elections," he said.
Speaking at meeting with the National Medical Technologist Council at the Banani office auditorium of the Jatiya Party chairman, GM Quader also said all parties, except the government and some of its allies, are against the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in elections.
"But the Election Commission (EC) has suddenly decided to conduct the elections through EVMs. It's now saying the election will be held through ballots if all parties want," he added.
The Jatiya Party chief said the election through ballot papers is acceptable to all.
About the EC's decision to install closed-circuit television cameras in the polling stations, he said if the intention is not good, nothing will turn out to be good: "The EC should work with good intention."
Referring to the ongoing political violence, GM Quader said, the violence will escalate further if the election is not held in a free and fair and acceptable manner as the next poll will be a "fight for existence."
He said the political culture of the country has reached a point where everyone considers their opponent as an enemy. "Everyone thinks that the losers will be killed and eliminated. We don't want such a political culture."
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, said their party wants every party to get the scope for politics and working together for the welfare of the country and people.
He said they also want the government to organise a peaceful election through discussions with the political parties as politics of intolerance will not bring anything good for anyone.
Saying that people are going through serious ordeals to cope with skyrocketing prices of daily essentials, he called upon the government to take steps for lowering their prices.
Australian envoy meets GM Quader, discusses political, economic issues
Acting Australian High Commissioner Nardia Simpson on Thursday met Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader and discussed political, economic and different bilateral issues.
The meeting was held at GM Quader’s Uttara residence at noon, said a Jatiya Party press release.
“Various mutual issues, including social, economic and political, of the two friendly countries were discussed at the meeting,” it said.
The party said Nardia Simpson highly praised the hospitality and friendly attitude of the people of Bangladesh.
Read: EC out to arrange stage-managed election: GM Quader
GM Quader hoped that the friendship between Australia and Bangladesh will be strengthened further.
Jatiya Party Chairman's Advisor and Jatiya Sanskritik Party convener Sherifa Quader and party chairman's Special Envoy and Advisor Masroor Mawla were present at the meeting.
EC out to arrange stage-managed election: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader Wednesday said the Election Commission (EC) is trying to arrange a stage-managed general election by using electronic voting machines (EVMs) in up to 150 seats.
"During their dialogues (with the EC), almost all the political parties opposed the use of EVMs, but the Election Commission decided to conduct voting with it. Most people in the country think that EVMs are vote-rigging machines," he said.
Referring to the chief election commissioner's recent remarks that it is not their responsibility to ensure all parties' participation in the polls, the Jatiya Party chief said it has cast doubt in the public mind about the EC's ability to conduct a free, impartial and acceptable election.
"It seems that the EC is trying to implement an agenda. On the other hand, the people of the country are unable to speak out. If there is a movement for any demand, the police and opponents are attacking it," he said.
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, said there will not be a level playing field if the national election is held in such a context. "Where the government has 90 percent influence (on state machinery), having the police and administration in its hands, a fair election cannot be expected."
Read: Scope for politics gets limited: GM Quader
He said there is no crisis in the Jatiya Party and it will not face any split. "The Awami League and BNP have repeatedly tried to harm the Jatiya Party. None of those who left the party could establish themselves as a strong organiser. Even if someone leaves like this, the Jatiya Party will not be weak."
Replying to a question, GM Quader said Raushon Ershad called him repeatedly to inquire about his condition as his vehicle was recently hit by a bus and told him she does not want to be the chairman of the National Council.
He also said the top leaders of the Jatiya Party think that Raushon was forced to announce the party's council under pressure. "Taking advantage of her illness, some outsiders may be trying to implement a different agenda by using Begum Raushon Ershad's name."
In response to a question about the formation of an electoral alliance, the Jatiya Party chair said a decision will be made on it following a discussion in the party forum before the election. "The Jatiya Party will decide on the formation of any alliance considering the reality and the expectations of the commoners."
GM Quader, however, said their party is now preparing for elections in all 300 seats. "We are implementing regular programmes to strengthen the party."
Roads, highways become death traps: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Monday bemoaned the roads and highways in the country becoming death traps, as more and more lives are lost day by day in road accidents.
“Life is no longer safe for someone out on the roads. Many lives are lost in accidents every day. It seems that no one is responsible for ensuring road safety,” he said.
In a statement, the Jatiya Party Chief also voiced wonder that the daily loss of lives on roads has apparently become normalised.
Read: Movement to continue until AL govt’s fall: Fakhrul
“Even today (Monday), at least 10 people were killed and more than 50 injured in a head-on collision between two buses in Rangpur's Taraganj,” he said.
Referring to statistics from the Road Safety Foundation, he said 519 people died in 458 road accidents in Bangladesh in August.
Quader noted 172 of the deaths were in motorcycle accidents, that covered an incredible 40 percent of the total accidents – far out of proportion with the number of motorcycles in relation to all other types of vehicles.
He said though such statistics have caused concern among the guardians, the authorities seem unconcerned about addressing the problem.
Read: Get ready for final push against AL govt: Fakhrul to BNP activists
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, said the number of accidents are growing due to mismanagement and corruption. "Bangladesh seems to be the world champion of mismanagement."
He said thousands of crores are being collected every day as tolls, and that money is divided between different sectors.
The Jatiya Party chief also said though those involved in the transport sector can change their fortune with toll money, the lives of common people remain insecure.
“There is no visible initiative to secure the transport sector. A terrible uncertainty is created in the family of road accident victims. Every year thousands of people are getting crippled on the roads and they lead a helpless life afterwards,” he observed.
GM Quader said the country’s people expect the government to take effective steps to make the roads and highways safe.
JP seeks to remove ailing Raushan as leader of opposition in Parliament
Jatiya Party Parliamentary Party on Thursday handed over a letter to Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury requesting her to recognise party chairman GM Quader as the leader of opposition in the Parliament.
Currently, Raushan Ershad is the opposition leader who has been abroad for a long time for medical treatment with GM Quader as her deputy.
A delegation of JP led by the party’s secretary general and a JP MP Mujibul Haque Chunnu submitted the letter to the Speaker at the latter’s office this evening.
Also read: Parliament passes Public Debt bill by voice vote
“Opposition leader is sick for a long time, so she is unable to come to the Parliament due to her sickness. The Parliamentary Party took the decision at a meeting where 23 out of 26 MPs were present and one MP telephoned his consent saying that he will sign the letter later,” Chunnu said.
Earlier, the Jatiya Party Parliamentary Party at a meeting at its office at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban decided to make the change and send the decision to the Speaker, Chunnu said.
Raushan is now under treatment at a hospital in Bangkok.
Also read: Law minister introduces Evidence (Amendment) Bill in Parliament
Practising democracy impossible keeping all powers in one person’s hands: GM Quader
Stating that constitutional dictatorship has been established in the country, Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Saturday alleged that practising democracy is not possible when all powers are there in one person’s hands.
“Those who unfairly gave HM Ershad the title of dictator, they themselves established a dictatorship by amending the constitution. Awami League and BNP have repeatedly amended the constitution and established a constitutional dictatorship in the country,” he said.
As all powers are in the hands of the prime minister, the Jatiya Party chief said whatever she says is now law. “It can never be a democracy and it cannot be a democratic practice.”
Also read: EC makes itself questionable: GM Quader
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, came up with the remarks while speaking at the publication ceremony of a book titled "Chhotder Pallibandhu" written by Sunil Shubo Roy at the Banani office auditorium of the Jatiya Party Chairman.
He said political opponents have spared many lies against Jatiya Party founder HM Ershad but they did not succeed. “Pallibandhu (Ershad) remains there in the hearts of the common people of the country. The political reality is now down with democracy and let dictatorship continue.”
The Jatiya Party chief also said Ershad’s political opponents carried out many false campaigns against him to belittle him. “They falsely branded Pallibandhu as corrupt, but no cases were filed against him or any Jatiya Party leaders during the anti-corruption campaign of clean heart and another such a drive during the 1/11 political changeover.”
He accused Awami League and BNP of indulging in corruption whenever they came to power since 1990.
GM Quader said many cases were filed against the leaders of the two major parties on the charges of indulging in corruption by the 1/11 government, but the cases against Awami League leaders were dropped when the party came to power. “BNP could not withdraw the cases as it’s out of power.”
Also read: Govt can’t evade responsibility for Momen’s comments: GM Quader
He alleged that there is now no sector in the country where there is no corruption. “Corruption has entered every corner of the country.”
The Jatiya Party chairman also alleged that Awami League and BNP have initiated politics of vengeance in the country since 1990.
EC makes itself questionable: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Thursday said the Election Commission (EC) has brought itself to question by taking the decision to use EVMs in up to 150 seats, ignoring the opinion of most political parties.
“It seems that the Election Commission is implementing the government's agenda,” he said.
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, made the remarks while speaking at a meeting of the Jatiya Party Dhaka north city unit’s council preparation committee at the party chairman's Banana office.
Also read: AL hails EC decision to use EVMs in 150 JS seats in next polls
Opposing the EC’s move to use the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in the next national election, he said the illiterate and poorly educated people of the country still cannot read the names of the candidates and the common people vote in elections by looking at symbols of the candidates.
“Most of the political parties and common people think that the EVMs are vote rigging machines. So, political parties and common people do not want the EVMs to be used in the election,” the Jatiya Party chief observed.
In such a reality, he said the decision to use the EVMs in the general election is ill-motivated.
Also read: BNP turns down EC’s move to use EVMs up to 150 seats
“Common people think that the Election Commission is working to bring a political party to power,” GM Quader viewed.
Earlier on Tuesday, the EC decided to use the EVMs instead of traditional ballot papers in the maximum 150 constituencies out of 300 ones in the next general election likely to be held late next year.
The decision came from a meeting of the election agency on Tuesday with Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal in the chair at the Nirbachan Bhaban in the city’s Agargaon area.
Govt can’t evade responsibility for Momen’s comments: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Saturday said the government cannot avoid responsibility for Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen’s recent statement on seeking India’s help to keep Sheikh Hasina in power.
“Such a statement has also embarrassed our neighbouring friendly country India. It also brought into question the sovereignty of the country,” he said.
GM Quader made the remarks while exchanging greetings with the leaders and prominent personalities of the Hindu community on the occasion of Janmashtami at the Jatiya Party Chairman's Banani office.
Earlier at a Janmashtami programme in Chattogram on Thursday, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen reportedly said that he urged the Indian government to back Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina so that she can stay in power.
According to Hindu scriptures, the Jatiya Party chief said, Lord Krishna appeared on this earth to protect the righteous and annihilate the wicked. “But protecting the wicked and suppressing the virtuous is now going on in our country. Not only the minority communities are leaving the country but also the Muslims are now leaving the country being subjected to social, economic and political discrimination. “The honest persons now can’t get jobs and the idealistic persons can’t do business,” he said.
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, said many people are leaving the country and going to other countries in order to survive: “A reign of corruption has been established in the country. Ideals and justice are being washed away by the tsunami of corruption”
He said the government can take initiatives to formulate the Minority Protection Act and form the Minority Commission.
GM Quader said their party founder HM Ershad ensured equal rights for all religions alongside making Islam the state religion.
He said huge money is being siphoned off abroad from Bangladesh every year through corruption. “Corruption is rampant in every sector due to lack of accountability. If anyone criticises corruption, the government considers him/her as conspiratorial and anti-state element.”
Read: Momen comments: AL expects PM to formally look into it
The Jatiya Party chief said criticism must be tolerated and accountability must be ensured to govern the country properly.
GM Quader said the government used to dismiss it as a ridiculous matter when the issue of extrajudicial killings is raised. “As a result, we are known to the world as a state of liars.”
Stating that the electoral system of the country has collapsed, he said people need to have the scope to elect their representatives by exercising voting rights in elections.”
It seems Bangladesh is paradise of mismanagement: GM Quader
Expressing profound shock at the loss of 11 lives in two separate incidents in the capital on Monday, Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Tuesday said Bangladesh has apparently become a paradise of mismanagement.
In a condolence message, he said, “It seems that Bangladesh will be the world champion in mismanagement if a survey is conducted.”
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, said it has become normal that countless mothers will lose their children every day due to negligence and mismanagement.
“Accidents have now become an order of the day be it on roads, waterways or in industrial plants or any public places. It can’t continue like this and it can’t be allowed to go on like this,” he observed.
Read:Accept tea workers' logical demand for pay hike: GM Quader
The Jatiya Party chief said the government must make public the investigation reports into the two incidents--girder crash at Uttara and a plastic factory fire at Chawkbazar in Dhaka.
He also called upon the authorities concerned to take legal action against those responsible for the incidents.
“Such heartbreaking deaths are unacceptable. The areas where heavy and hazardous work is going on should be protected and restricted. It has to be investigated for whose negligence the vulnerable site (of the BRT project) was not restricted and legal action should be taken against them,” the Jatiya Party chief said.
Besides, he said many people are losing lives in fire incidents, including six people at Chawkbazar on Monday. “It seems there’s no one to be held accountable for the incidents.
On Monday, five members of a family were killed as a girder of the BRT project lifted by a crane crashed on a private car in the city’s Uttara area.
Earlier in the day, at least six people were burnt to death in a fire that broke out at a plastic factory in Old Dhaka’s Chawkbazar area.
Accept tea workers' logical demand for pay hike: GM Quader
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Monday called upon the authorities to accept the "justified" demand of the tea workers for a hike in their daily wages.
He made the call in a statement as tea garden workers went on a countrywide strike on Saturday for an indefinite period, demanding a hike in their daily wages.
GM Quader said the tea workers have been deprived of their rights for ages. "The dreams of the tea workers are being crushed by mindless exploitation."
"Given current realities, the daily wage of Tk120 of a tea worker is not only inhumane but also the worst example of exploitation," he said.
Read: Tea workers go on indefinite strike for minimum Tk300 daily wage
The tea workers have waged a movement demanding that their wage be raised to Tk300 from Tk120.
"Even a daily wage of Tk300 is not enough given the current sky-high price of commodities. The exploited tea workers have lost the courage to dream," the Jatiya Party chief said.
GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, urged the authorities to ensure all the rights of the tea workers immediately.