Quader rules out talks with BNP

FE Team | Published: August 09, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

Communications Minister Obaidul Quader said Friday that talks can't be held with those who celebrate fake birthday with pomp on the National Mourning Day on August 15, reports BSS.
"Awami League (AL) is not against talks. But BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia celebrates her fake birthday with pomp by cutting cake on August 15. Those who advocate for talks and understanding are habituated to celebrating Begum Zia's fake birthday. So, meaningful talks can't be held with them," Quader, also AL presidium member, said this while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion organised by Awami Swechchasebak League (ASL) in front of Bangabandhu Memorial Museum on Dhanmondi Road-32 in the city in observance of the 84th birth anniversary of Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, wife of father of the nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and mother of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
ASL president Advocate Mollah Md Abu Kowser presided over the discussion, also addressed, among others, by vice-presidents Nirmal Ranjan Guha and Motiur Rahman Moti, general secretary Pankaj Debnath, organising secretary Sheikh Sohel Rana Tipu, Dhaka City ASL (South) unit acting president SM Mortuza Rashed, general secretary Arifur Rahman Titu, Dhaka City ASL (North) unit acting president Md Golam Rabbani and general secretary Faridur Rahman Iran.
Mr Quader said: "As we don't believe in dirty politics like them (BNP), we didn't throw any counter programme on the death anniversary of Ziaur Rahman. If BNP believes in the politics of understanding, it would have celebrated Begum Zia's birthday the day after or before the National Mourning Day."
Pointing at party leaders and workers, the AL leader said: "A lot of money is not required to observe the National Mourning Day. So, it's not justified to take subscriptions from anybody for organising programmes of the day as it also tarnishes the day's solemnity and hurts the soul of Bangabandhu as well."
Later, Quran Khwani, milad and dua mahfils were organised at the venue seeking eternal peace for the departed soul of the Bangamata.