Awami League (AL) general secretary Obaidul Quader warned on Tuesday if necessary, an integrity drive will be conducted inside the party to prevent corruption and wrongdoings, report agencies.
"The incident of Chhatra League was an unprecedented one. This type of incident didn't occur in the past," he said.
The AL leader made the comments while speaking at a press briefing on contemporary affairs at the Secretariat in the city.
Quader said intelligence agencies have been asked to give reports on whether any wrongdoing or corruption have taken place anywhere in the country. "Based on the reports of the intelligence agencies, an integrity drive will be conducted inside AL if necessary. Nobody will be spared if found involved," he added.
Stating that the government is taking stern action against those involved in corruption and irregularities, he said: "The government has taken a zero tolerance policy against corruption. Even if any AL man gets involved in wrongdoings, he or she would not be spared. All wrongdoers must face the music."
Quader, the road transport and bridges minister, said punitive action was taken against the president and general secretary of Chhatra League for the first time in the country, due to their misconduct, which is an exceptional incident.
"There is no such example of taking such punitive action against the leaders of any student organisation in Bangladesh," he added.
About the upcoming national council of Awami League, he said: "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is the president of AL…all party leaders have the right to be candidates in the council".
Quader assured that taking support from China will not affect Bangladesh's bilateral ties with neighbouring India.
"We'll seek whatever we need for the country [from others]. Taking help from China for Bangladesh's development doesn't mean that our relationship with India will decline," he said.
He pointed out that Bangladesh's own funding will be inadequate for various power sector projects, sea ports, LNG terminal and Rooppur. The country needs support, he said.
"We're now enjoying our best relationship with India," Quader said. "There hasn't been any reason which might harm our ties."
Talking about the possibility of a reshuffle in the ruling Awami League, Quader said anyone can be a candidate for his post.
"It depends on our leader (Sheikh Hasina). I'll continue to serve as the party's general secretary if she wants," he said.
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
