Quader assures control amid challenges

In an address at a programme at the Secretariat on Saturday, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader confirmed ongoing joint operations in Bandarban's hilly terrains, aiming to restore peace and order, reports UNB.
The operations follow sporadic disturbances in the area, with the government taking a firm stance against turmoil.
Quader elaborated on the complexities near the Myanmar border, specifically mentioning the state of Chin, where the KNF allegedly has a base.
"Authorities are meticulously investigating the KNF's rebel activities, with law enforcement engaged in concerted efforts to maintain stability," he stated.
During his speech, Quader also unveiled several infrastructure projects aimed at improving national connectivity. Noteworthy among these are the inauguration of one rail overpass along the Elenga-Hatikumrul-Rangpur highways in Tangail, seven overpasses, a bridge, and the Meghna Bridge Toll Plaza-2 on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway. These developments mark significant progress in facilitating smoother travel across the country.
Addressing potential external support for disruptive groups, Quader remarked, "The situation differs if groups like UPDF and Santu Larma's Jana Sanghati Samiti back them. However, without such backing, these isolated factions face limitations."
In the context of the upcoming Eid celebrations, Quader reassured the public, stating, "Like last year, Eid holidaymakers can expect a comfortable journey, with measures in place to ensure roads remain free of traffic congestion despite the high volume of vehicles."
BSS adds: Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Saturday said there is no reason for BNP to be worried about the country's independence and sovereignty.
"As long as Bangabandhu's daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina stays in power, the country's independence and democracy will remain safe. So, there is no reason for BNP to be worried over country's independence and sovereignty," he said.
Quader, also road transport and bridges minister, said these while addressing an Eid gift distribution ceremony at Motijheel T & T High School in the capital under the arrangement of Awami Jubo League.
Urging all to remain alert about BNP-Jamaat, the AL general secretary said if the clique goes to power, they will destroy the country's sovereignty, democracy and people's safety.
BNP now can only make bigger talks and spread hatred as the party has become very weak organisationally, he said.
About BNP's secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir's comment that a severe crisis situation is prevailing in the country, Quader said not a single person died from hunger in the country.
There are sufferings of people here but no severe crisis, he said, adding the people of Bangladesh live better life than many other countries in the world.
He hoped the present crisis will be overcome under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Terming Sheikh Hasina as a generous leader, he said the AL, as a large political party, is supposed to hold big iftar parties but it is not doing so.
Sheikh Hasina gave directives to distribute iftar items among poor people and the party is doing so, he said.
On the other hand, BNP and Jamaat are holding iftar party together and making criticism of Awami League, he mentioned.
Awami Jubo League Chairman Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash chaired the function which was conducted by its General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil.
AL Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim and party's Relief and Social Welfare Secretary Aminul Islam Amin also spoke, among others.