Fakhrul to Quader: Join campaign quitting posts of privileges

Published at 06:03 pm January 11th, 2020

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File photos of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader (left) and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir Mahmud Hossain Opu/Syed Zakir Hossain/Dhaka Tribune

'Let us face the challenge and see whom people support'

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has asked his Awami League counterpart Obaidul Quader to join the city election campaign quitting both the positions in the cabinet and parliament.

"Resign both as minister and MP and then carry out election campaign in favour of Boat…I will do it for the Sheaf of Paddy. Let us face the challenge and see whom people support," he said on Saturday.

The BNP leader came up with the remarks while speaking at a gathering in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka arranged by Bangladesh Sammilita Peshajibi Parishad demanding the release of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and her proper treatment, reports UNB.

Earlier on Friday, Quader raised objection against the restriction on MPs and ministers from carrying out election campaign and questioned as to why he cannot take part in the electioneering when his BNP counterpart doing it.

BNP General Secretary speaks at a gathering in front of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Saturday, January 11, 2020 | Focus Bangla In response to Quader's comment, Fakhrul said the law bars the ruling party leader as he is an MP as well as a minister, but "I do not hold any such post."

He claimed that ruling party candidates will not be able to win the elections if those are held in a free fair and credible manner.

"Create a level-playing field and establish a neutral government and let the election be held under a neutral Election Commission. We will accept the results if such election is held, but you will never do it," the BNP leader said.

Fakhrul said despite knowing that the government is playing a game in the name of election, BNP has joined the polls as part of their movement for "restoring democracy" and freeing Khaleda Zia from jail.

He said Khaleda Zia badly needs advanced treatment as her condition is getting worse gradually.

"Her condition has deteriorated alarmingly. Doctors say he needs better treatment at any advanced centre. There is no such centre in Bangladesh."