No offender will be spared: Quader

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said on Friday nobody in the ruling Awami League will be spared if found involved in any offensive activities, reports BSS.

"Along with the leaders of the Jubo League and Chatra League, the government is also identifying people inside the Awami League who are involved in criminal activities," he said, addressing a press conference at the AL president's Dhanmondi office here.

The government is proceeding with its 'zero tolerance' policy against corruption and misdeeds, he said, adding: "These actions will not remain confined to the capital rather spread throughout the country".

He said there are lots of dedicated workers in the Chatra League and Jubo League who are doing many good jobs. The action is being taken against only those who are affecting the image of the party as well as the government, he added.

Quader said BNP has no instance of taking punitive actions against their own party men.

"They [BNP] never took any action against irregularities, plundering, corruption and killings by their party men," he added.

Terming the current action by the present government as a good instance, the ruling party leader said that now the popularity and acceptance of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has increased incredibly due to the steps taken against the corrupt leaders of the associate bodies of the ruling Awami League.

Meanwhile UNB adds: Obaidul Quader said the drive against corruption and irregularities will be conducted across the country.

"Everywhere in the country where there're irregularities and grafts, drives will be conducted there. It's not only about Jubo League and Chhatra League, those who will be found involved in corruption in Awami League, will face the same fate," he said.

Replying to a question about BNP leaders' statement that Awami League has turned the city [Dhaka] of mosques into a city of casinos, the Awami League leader said, "It's BNP who made Dhaka a city of casinos."

Action will be taken if it is found that the casino business was being operated with support from any political leader or anyone from administration as no godfather will be spared, said Quader.

Asked whether AL is embarrassed over the allegations raised against its associate bodies, he said, "We're happy as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has become more popular with the action she has taken as it has brightened the image of the party and the government.