DHAKA, Aug 12, 2023 (BSS) - Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said the country is progressing fast in every sector as democracy exists in the country.

“BNP can’t appreciate the country’s progress. BNP wants to use democratic advantage for their political purpose. Due to democracy the country is move forward and progressing fast,” he told a discussion of at AL’s Bangabandhu Avenue central office here.

Swadhinata Chikitsak Parishad (Swachip), an associate body of Awami League, organized the discussion marking the 48th martyrdom anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Mourning Day.

Obaidul Quader said, BNP is suffering from jealousy seeing huge development activities in their surroundings.  Participation of leaders and workers in BNP’s rallies is decreasing, he said.

AL general secretary said if BNP continues its politics of vengeance, it will have to remain in the opposition forever.

Today the World Bank follows Bangladesh model of development and the entire world including International Monetary Fund (IMF) is lauding Bangladesh’s uplift, he said.
Bangladesh’s progress amid corona virus pandemic and Russia-Ukraine war has surprised the world, he added.

Obaidul Quader said, some 33 countries are holding national elections this year. But big powers don’t have headache over elections of any country except Bangladesh.

AL thinks BNP as its opponent, but BNP considers AL as its enemy, he said opinting out the grenade attacks on an anti-terrorism rally of Awami League with a target to kill Bangabandhu’s daughter and AL chief Sheikh Hasina.

Obaidul Qader said, Ziaur Rahman was the mastermind August 15 carnage and his family members are the kingpins of assassination attempt on Bangabandhu daughter on August 21, 2004.

About the next parliamentary polls, the minister said BNP can understand about their future in the next poll. If elections are held now, 70 percent voters will cast their votes in favour of Sheikh Hasina, he added.

Referring to a survey conducted by International Republican Institute (IRI), AL general secretary said the USA conducted a survey in all 64 districts of Bangladesh and found incumbent government’s absolute popularity. BNP has gone mad seeing the government’s popularity, he said.

The minister said, all demands of BNP including restoration of caretaker government system, dissolution of parliament and Sheikh Hasinas’ resignation are unconstitutional. So, there is no scope to fulfill those demands.

Obaidul Quader asserted that the next general elections will be held under the Election Commission. It’s BNP’s decision whether they will take part in the election or not. But, none will be allowed to unleash any destructive activities.

Swachip President Jamal Uddin Chowdhury presided over the discussion.