Quader sees Oikya Front’s 7-point demand as plot to thwart polls

The seven-point demand of the newly formed Jatiya Oikya Front on Wednesday was dismissed by Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader as “seven conspiracies” designed to derail the upcoming parliamentary election.

Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges minister, made the claim at a rally staged by the Gazipur city unit of the ruling party at Tongi Government College ground, reports BSS.

“Oikya Front’s seven demands are seven conspiracies to foil the general election,” Quader said.

“The perpetrators of one-eleven changeover have joined hands with the killers of August 15, 1975 and August 21, 2004 and Tarique Rahman … to create anarchy centring on the parliamentary election.”

Quader derided acting BNP chairperson Rahman as “an internationally recognized terrorist and a fugitive, also a convict in money laundering and grenade attack cases”.

He further urged Awami League leaders and workers to “remain alert to resist all conspiracies against the government and the state”.

“The party leaders and workers will have to work with unity for those who will get the party tickets for contesting in the election,” Quader said. “Organizational actions will be taken if anyone violates the party’s commands.”

The minister used his speech at Wednesday’s rally to highlight the development activities of the government. 

“Of the 160 million citizens of the country, around 150 million are using mobile phones while 100 million are internet users,” he said.

“The government is providing free textbooks among students across the country on the very first day of new year, while allowances for elderly people, freedom fighters and the disabled are being given for the betterment of the people.”

Hundreds of leaders and workers had started gathering at the venue with banners, festoons and drums from the early morning.

Other speakers included Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Dipu Moni, Organizing Secretary AKM Enamul Haque Shamim, Barrister Mohibul Hassan Chowdhoury Nowfel, Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque, Gazipur Zila Parishad Chairman Akhtaruzzaman, Gazipur City Corporation Mayor Advocate Jahangir Alam, and local lawmaker Jahid Ahsan Russell.

Gazipur City Awami League President Advocate Ajmat Ullah Khan presided over the program.