Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has served a 36-day ultimatum on the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to renounce corrupt politics.
He was speaking at a rally held in Dhaka’s Uttara on Monday afternoon.
"Within these 36 days, the BNP must put an end to its politics of arson, terrorism, sabotage, and conspiracies against democracy. If it fails to do so, I will mobilize the people to confront and oust corrupt politicians," he said.
In a direct jab at the BNP's political strategies, Quader said that while the BNP has been relying on visa policies, the Awami League draws its strength from the support of the people. Quader firmly declared that elections in Bangladesh would not be held under any external restrictions or influence.
The ruling party general secretary brushed aside concerns over visa policies, saying: "We do not concern ourselves with visa policies or restrictions. In countries where such policies are enforced, democracy is not without its flaws, human rights violations persist, and corrective measures are rarely taken. Our primary concern is the welfare of the people of Bangladesh.”
Quader said: "I will not abide by any visa policy or ban; my sole focus is on the people of Bangladesh. We are committed to exercising our right to choose our leaders, in line with the principles outlined in the Constitution."
He also criticized the BNP's recent track record, saying: "The BNP couldn't even muster a protest for 36 minutes for the release of Khaleda Zia. I have given them 36 days; they must get their act together, as the BNP's political backbone appears to be broken."
He further said: "The BNP seems to be losing sleep over two selfies. All of the BNP's recent protests and rallies seem to have gone in vain."
He assured the public that the elections will take place at the appropriate time according to the constitutional framework.
The people of this country will only accept leadership under Sheikh Hasina. Visible development in the country, according to Quader, is inconceivable without Sheikh Hasina.
Quader urged the citizens of Bangladesh not to lose hope during these challenging times and reassured them that the ongoing crises would eventually come to an end.
Prominent figures within the Awami League, including AL Presidium Member Faruk Khan, Joint General Secretaries Mahbubul Alam Hanif and Bahauddin Nasim, Organizing Secretaries SM Kamal Hossain and Mirza Azam, and North City AL Joint General Secretary Habib Hasan, also addressed the rally.
The rally in Dhaka North City was presided over by Sheikh Bazlur Rahman, President of Dhaka North City AL, with General Secretary SM Mannan Kochi overseeing the proceedings.
