No bar to party leaders to run as independent candidates: Quader

Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said permission for party leaders to run as independent candidates in the upcoming national election is a 'strategic decision', report agencies.

"Awami League is moving forward, changing strategy as per the need of the hour. There is no bar to dummy candidates following the guideline of the party chief (Sheikh Hasina)," he said.

Obaidul Quader came up with the remarks after paying homage to Dr Shamsul Alam Khan Milon, marking Shaheed Dr Milon Day on Dhaka University premises on Monday.

He said AL doesn't need companions, as people are its strength. BNP needs accomplices for their misdeeds, said the AL leader.

People of the country have been eagerly waiting for the election along with party leaders and activists as election season has already started in the country, he said.

Quader, also road, transport and bridges minister, said the upcoming election has generated a massive tide of public support that cannot be foiled by sporadic bombings and arson attacks.

The AL general secretary also alleged that BNP is now hatching a conspiracy to foil the election after its movement failed.

"Many may have ill-efforts to make the polls questionable. For tactical reasons, the AL leaders have been given approval to become independent candidates," he also told a function at AL President's Dhanmondi political office.

Quader said there is nothing unclear in the speech that AL Nomination Board chairman and AL President Sheikh Hasina gave to the AL candidates at Ganabhaban on Sunday.

She told everything clearly that those who want to become candidates as her guideline, will be dummy candidates, he said.

So, the AL general secretary said there is no bar to becoming candidates by following these guidelines given by the AL President.

About the AL-nominated candidates, Quader said the party tickets have been given to only those who have the ability to win in the polls.

He said the government is trying to hold a peaceful election, but the opposition party is obstructing it.

Claiming that the ruling party never wants violence in the country, the AL general secretary said: "If a special party joins the polls, would the election be a participatory one? About 25-30 political parties will join the elections. If BNP does not participate in it, many BNP leaders will be ready to join the polls."

Mentioning that BNP is going to avoid the next polls, sensing that it will not be able to win, he said it would be clear within November 30 next about those who are joining the elections from the BNP.

Quader said the Awami League did not announce candidates for two seats due to the party's strategic reason, while the decision will be taken after looking at the advantage of the electoral alliance.

"There is an issue of adjustment-accommodation. The party (AL) will finalise those," he added.