People are looking forward to voting

Awami League (AL) General Secretary, Obaidul Quader

Some individuals with intellectual backgrounds are carrying out the agenda of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), criticized Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader in response to a recent joint statement by 40 intellectuals regarding the 12th national elections.

Quader, who also serves as the Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, expressed his views during a press conference held at the AL President Sheikh Hasina’s Dhanmondi political office. He asserted that those discussing elections without condemning arson attacks are essentially acting as agents of the BNP. According to Quader, the joint statement by the 40 intellectuals on the elections indicates their alignment with the political agenda of the BNP.

Providing details on the upcoming elections, Quader mentioned the participation of 27 political parties with a total of 1,886 candidates, including 357 independents. He assured that comprehensive preparations are underway for the smooth conduct of the national elections.

Addressing a statement made by AL praesidium member and Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque regarding the arrests of BNP leaders, Quader clarified that Razzaque's remarks were his personal opinion. He emphasized that the Awami League is not a party lacking resources and rejected the idea that the party would make unconventional proposals to the BNP or any other party, emphasizing its commitment to discipline and democracy.

Quader urged BNP leader Moin Khan to focus on the entire country on January 7 and observe the polling stations to gauge the enthusiasm of the people to vote on that day. The press conference was attended by AL Organising Secretaries BM Mozammel Haque, Mirza Azam, and Sujit Roy Nandi, as well as other key party members.