Quader: Facing Covid-19, resisting radicals the challenges before govt

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Tuesday said facing the Covid-19 pandemic and resisting extreme communal forces are two major challenges before the government.

He made the remarks after inaugurating the 50km extended road from Cox’s Bazar link road to Unchiprang under Teknaf upazila, joining the function virtually from his official residence in Dhaka.

Quader said it is essential to carry out government efforts in a well-coordinated way and to make the party’s unity stronger to face the two challenges.

He gave directives to the officials concerned to strictly enforce restrictions to contain the spread of the Covid-19, as the rate of infection and deaths is rising.

The Awami League general secretary also urged party leaders and workers to remain united to help the government face challenges.

BNP is showing its irresponsibility blaming the government for everything, he added. “BNP is now so blind in criticism of the government that they are blaming the government for deaths in nor’westers. They will soon blame the government for deaths in lightning strikes.”

The minister claimed the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina responds immediately to any public issues. Awami League leaders and workers also extend cooperation to the people in any crisis and disaster.

“What did BNP do for the welfare of the country and the people during the coronavirus pandemic? If we evaluate that, the BNP’s falsehood, evil politics, and irresponsibility towards the people becomes clear,” he said.

Quader also said BNP’s tendency to flee and reluctance to work for the people’s welfare makes the party’s commitment to the people questionable.

The 50km extended road from Cox’s Bazar Link Road to Unchiprang under Teknaf upazila in Cox’s Bazar was built at a cost of Tk305 crore.