AL not concerned about BNP as its movement failed: Quader

The ruling Awami League is not concerned about the BNP as the party has failed in its movement to oust the government, AL General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said.

"We are not worried about the BNP. They could not show in their actions whatever they were saying. They could not involve the people of the country in their movement," he told reporters at the Election Commission (EC) on Sunday.

Asked if the Awami League has any undertaking regarding the Jubo League's demand to the EC seeking cancellation of BNP's registration in polls, Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, said, "The Awami League has no concerns over banning BNP's politics."

"We have no such initiatives, no concerns about it [BNP]… the Jubo League is speaking from its point of view… the main party, the Awami League, did not raise the issue."

As an organisation of the Awami League, the Jubo League has a distinct entity, and it can make such demands, he said.

As the 12th Parliament is without representatives from many political parties, who either stayed away from the polls or lost in it, asked whether it will be a factor in making the new Parliament effective, Quader said there is no obstacle to this end.

"A free and fair election took place [in the country], where the turnout [of parties] was more than 41, and 28 of them participated in it. There is also an opposition [in the Parliament]. The Jatiya Party has already started its activities in the Parliament as the opposition party."

He further said even the independent MPs have been told during a meeting with the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that they can criticise the government if they feel the need.

"There are independents to criticise [the government], there are opposition parties. Therefore, we do not think that there is any hindrance or obstacle to making the Parliament effective."

on Sunday, the 48 women candidates nominated by the ruling Awami League for the 50 seats reserved for women in the 12th Parliament were submitted to the Election Commission.

"We have submitted nomination papers to the returning officer today [Sunday]. At the time of submission, the 48 nominated candidates as well as their supporters were present," Quader said.

He said in the reserved seats, the Awami League has nominated some of those aspirants who lost in the general elections due to organisational and political needs.