BNP calls for boycott of Indian products; Awami League's rejection

General Secretary of the Awami League (AL), Obaidul Quader

On 22 Mar 2024, a press conference was held at the AL President’s Dhanmondi Political Office, chaired by the General Secretary of the Awami League (AL), Obaidul Quader. The conference addressed several pertinent issues concerning the political landscape of Bangladesh, particularly focusing on the actions and statements made by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP).

Attendees: AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader, AL Organising Secretary BM Mozammel Haque, Deputy Office Secretary Sayem Khan, Central Committee Member Anwar Hossain, journalists, and press representatives.

Key Points Raised

BNP's Conspiracy to Destabilize Market System: Quader accused the BNP of attempting to destabilize Bangladesh's market system under the pretext of boycotting Indian products. He labeled this as a deep conspiracy by the BNP to disrupt the country's economic stability.

Rejection of BNP's Call for Boycotting Indian Products: Quader firmly stated that the people of Bangladesh would not heed the BNP's call for boycotting Indian products. He emphasized the strong economic ties between Bangladesh and India, highlighting the impracticality of severing such relations.

BNP's Incoherent Politics: Quader criticized BNP's leadership for its inconsistent and confusing stance on various issues, particularly regarding relations with India. He highlighted the disparity between a senior BNP leader seeking cooperation from a neighboring friendly country and a junior leader advocating for boycotting Indian products.

Importance of Good Relations with India: Quader underscored the significance of maintaining positive relations with India for Bangladesh's economic and diplomatic interests. He cited examples of successful agreements and collaborations between the two nations under the Awami League's leadership.

Rebuttal of Allegations of Oppression: Quader refuted allegations of oppression against BNP leaders, pointing out that many BNP leaders, including Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, had been released from jail on bail. He deemed claims of suppression by BNP leaders as contradictory.

Prospects of Electricity Import from Bhutan: Quader expressed optimism about the possibility of importing electricity from Bhutan using Indian territory. He mentioned the upcoming visit of the King of Bhutan to Bangladesh and anticipated cooperation from India in facilitating such imports.

In conclusion, the press conference led by AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader shed light on the ongoing political dynamics in Bangladesh, particularly concerning the actions and rhetoric of the BNP. Quader emphasized the importance of stable relations with neighboring countries, especially India, for the economic and diplomatic prosperity of Bangladesh. The conference provided insight into the AL's perspective on key issues and their stance on current political affairs.