Hasina most popular leader in Bangladesh after '75: Quader

Awami League (AL) General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday said Awami League (AL) President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is the most popular leader in Bangladesh since 1975, reports BSS.
"Although you are holding rallies, people are not responding to your call. Sheikh Hasina's popularity is the main reason. Who is more popular will be proved in the next general election," Quader said, referring to BNP leaders.
The ruling party leader made the comments while addressing a meeting in front of the Awami League central office on Bangabandhu Avenue in the city.
The AL organized the meeting marking the 18th anniversary of the August 21, 2004 grenade attack.
Awami League chief and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presided over the meeting moderated by Awami League Publicity and Publication Secretary Dr Abdus Sobhan Golap.
About the next generation election, the road transport minister said. "The election is ahead, Please wait ...it will be proved what do Bangladeshi people want...Sheikh Hasina is the most popular leader as people are with her. People are happy with her development achievements."
Drawing the attention of BNP Secretary General Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Quader said BNP's popularity now hits rock bottom due to holding rallies frequently in the same places like Paltan and Press Club.
"I will say the most popular leader in Bangladesh after 75 is Sheikh Hasina who is also the daughter of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. This is not only admitted by Bangladesh but it is also acknowledged globally," he added.
Citing the generosity of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the minister said, "You (Sheikh Hasina) have pardoned many of them. Those who were the mastermind behind Bangabandhu killing were also the mastermind of the grenade attack on August 21."
Referring to Mufti Hannan, an Islamist leader who was convicted and hanged for the grenade attack on August 21, Quader said they had started operation after the instruction was given from Hawa Bhaban.
The bitter political relation between BNP and AL was created by BNP, said Quader, adding that Sheikh Hasina invited BNP leaders to her official residence and tried to make conversation over telephone, but ultimately she was insulted.
Regarding the death of Khaleda Zia's younger son Arafat Rahman Koko, he said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina rushed to Begum Zia's residence to console her but the Prime Minister was not allowed to access Begum Zia's residence. "So, BNP is responsible for stopping dialogue between the two political parties," he added.