Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has urged ruling party leaders and activists not to become involved in any violence with the BNP or other opposition parties regardless of any provocation..
The ruling party second man made the remarks in the wake of chaos and violence reported at Mirpur Bangla College, Khagrachhari, Laxmipur and some other parts of the country as activists of Awami League and its associated bodies clashed with supporters of BNP, leaving one dead and dozens injured.
Earlier, Awami League had called peace rallies and processions in each district of Rajshahi, Chittagong, Barisal, and Sylhet divisions on Monday to counter BNP's marches across the country.
As part of the programs, Dhaka City South Awami league arranged a rally and colourful procession in the capital, from Shahbag to Dhanmondi, with thousands of its supporters yesterday.
While delivering the speech as the chief guest at the rally on Tuesday, Obaidul Quader instructed the party's leaders and activists to be patient.
"Don't mess with anyone, we have to be patient. We will win. We have to keep the atmosphere peaceful. The calmer the environment, the better it is for us. Concentrate on your own program, you should not respond to anyone's provocation. Quietly continue your program,” he said
Mentioning that the opposition will try to instigate violence, Quader said: “No need to move from your place. No need to tell anyone anything. If someone does wrong, there are law enforcement agencies members; they will do their job.
“We want smart activists. No need to get involved in the clash with sticks. No need for reciprocation. If we are being attacked, the situation will dictate what we will do. Don't make any decisions on your own. I am requesting all of our leaders and activists of Bangladesh, on behalf of our leader."
While talking about BNP's movement and demands, he said that their demands and expectations for the caretaker government, dialogue, and the resignation of Sheikh Hasina's government did not come to pass.
Quader termed BNP's countrywide march a defeat march and said: “‘What did Mirza Fakhrul say today? Their march is a victory march. I want to say their march is a defeat march and their downfall has already begun.
“Has the European Union delegations given the caretaker government to them? Has the government resigned? Has Sheikh Hasina resigned? Actually what they got from the EU, nothing but a duck egg and horse egg."
Quader said the American delegation also did not give anything to the BNP.
He said: “No caretaker government is coming, nor is the parliament dissolving, nor Sheikh Hasina is resigning from the Prime Minister post before the election. The caretaker government is dead by the verdict of the Supreme Court, we did not remove the caretaker government. Now the election will be conducted under the leadership of the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, like in other countries,”
Addressing the BNP, Quader said: “Whatever you want, you can do; but we will not keep aside from our stand. Awami League is the party of the soil of this country. Awami League is Bangabandhu's party, Sheikh Hasina's party. This party does not bow down to anyone.”
He also criticised BNP's recent movement and said: “Earlier they declared a one-point movement and now they are declaring a 32-point movement actually. They have no coordination. BNP is nowadays a shelter for all of the evil political parties of the country,”
Presidium member Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya Bir Bikram said that this rally proves that Awami League is the number one party in the country.
“The BNP is a terrorist group. This terrorist group attacked Chhatra League workers in Mirpur Bangla College this morning and burned motorcycles. This is their real character,” said Maya.
Presidium Member Md Qamrul Islam said: “We want to advance the trend of development. Sheikh Hasina has given Bangladesh a prestigious height in the world but BNP and Jamaat are conspiring to stop the development. They want to make Bangladesh a terrorist state again. The way they attacked the students in Mirpur, burnt Honda, and attacked the law and order forces members! These signs say they want to create violence again, but we want peace.”
Presidium member Mostofa Jalal Mohiuddin, Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Organising Secretary SM Kamal Hossain, and Mirza Azam, among others, gave speeches at the rally.
Dhaka South Unit Awami League President Abu Ahmed Mannafi chaired the rally and its General Secretary Humayun Kabir conducted it.
After the rally, a colorful procession started from the Engineer's institute to Dhanmondi 32 through Shahbagh, Elephant Road, Science Laboratory and Mirpur Road.
Awami League supporters and activists joined the “development procession” by car, horse cart, and by foot.
Dhaka City North Unit Awami League has called another peace rally and processions today to showcase the development of the government.
