BNP boycotted democracy by boycotting election: Quader

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has labelled the BNP as an autocrat in the guise of a democrat and said the party boycotted democracy by boycotting election.

"Those who boycott election actually boycott the country's democracy in another sense," Quader said on Tuesday at a virtual programme on Dhaka Metropolitan South Awami League's party membership renewal and primary membership recruitment.

He alleged that the BNP is conducting its activities in an undemocratic manner and taking revenge on the ruling party.

About recruiting members for the Awami League, Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, asked his party men to be more cautious.

"We have to be aware of the recruitments. Under no circumstance, extortionists and women abusers can be given a place in the party. No controversial persons are allowed to enter the party," he said.

The Awami League general secretary also mentioned that no one can hold two posts in the party at a time.

About the controversial birthday of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, he said there may be a discrepancy between the actual birthday and the one mentioned in the certificate.

"But how can one hold five birthdays at a time?" he asked.

Alleging that the BNP has created a crisis in the arena of democratic politics, Quader said Khaleda's birthday celebration on the National Mourning Day implies that the party is involved in the killing of the father of the nation.

It also proves that the BNP is involved in the brutal grenade attack on 21 August, he said.   

He urged the BNP to avoid the crooked way and wait until the next general election.

Quader said there had been a slowdown in global production systems and growth due to the pandemic.

But the growth and balance achieved by Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had already been praised, he said.

According to the Global Food Outlook June 2021 report published by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, Bangladesh is now in the third place in rice production despite the pandemic and natural disasters, he added.

Among others, Dhaka Metropolitan South Awami League President Abu Ahmed Mannafi and General Secretary Humayun Kabir, the party's presidium member Abdur Razzak, Joint General Secretary Dipu Moni, and Organising Secretary Mirza Azam spoke at the event.