No change in decision over independents, says Quader

FE Team | Published: December 12, 2023 23:28:53

Obaidul Quader

Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader said on Tuesday despite objections from the 14-party allies and discomfort among party candidates, the AL would not change its decision over the independent candidates in the upcoming general elections, reports BSS.
"There will be independent candidates in the elections, even if the allies have objections. The discomfort of the party-nominated candidates regarding the independent candidates is unnecessary. There is no alternative to contesting elections. There is no chance to be elected unopposed," he said.
Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, made the remarks while speaking at a press conference at the AL President's Dhanmondi political office in Dhaka.
He said it was not a matter of comfort or discomfort as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced that the independent candidates would remain in the elections.
"The Awami League's stance over the independent candidates is clear. But, no one will be allowed to carry out violence...there is no chance to win in the elections unopposed. None can use muscle power," he said.
The AL general secretary said the AL had no objection to the deployment of army as the striking force in the elections in line with the country's constitution but the AL was against making the army questionable on all issues.
The Election Commission and the law enforcement agencies must take stringent measures against terrorism and violence, Quader said.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the country's development and progress had gone a long way.
Bangladesh's achievements had been appreciated all over the world but there were some people who never appreciated the achievements and development of the country, he said.
AL Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim and Organising Secretaries BM Mozammel Haque, SM Kamal Hossain and Sujit Roy Nandi were present, among others, at the press conference.