Don't panic

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader yesterday said BNP has no reason to be worried about the next general elections as it will be held in a fair and credible manner.

“I'm strongly hopeful that the election will be held at the right time and BNP's fear and uncertainty about it will also be removed. A fair, neutral and inclusive election will be held in a congenial atmosphere,” he said.

Quader, also the general secretary of Awami League (AL), came up with the remarks while talking to reporters at the Secretariat, reports UNB.

He also hoped that a meaningful election will be held with participation of all registered political parties.

The minister also thinks BNP will not make the same mistake again by not joining the 11th parliamentary polls.  “They [BNP] are now coming up with big demands as part of their efforts to realise something from the government. But I can confidently say that BNP will come to the next polls for the sake of its existence.”

Asked whether the government is going to cooperate with BNP seeking permission for its rally at Suhrawardy Udyan on January 5, he said he has heard that Dhaka city AL and a religious group or party also want to hold programmes at the same venue the same day. The minister, however, said it is a concern of Dhaka Metropolitan Police authorities whether they would give permission or not.

About AL's candidate for by-polls to Dhaka North City Corporation mayoral post, he said their party's nomination board will finalise it. The prime minister might have given former BGMEA president Atiqul Islam a green signal to assess his popularity, Quader said.

NO ALTERNATIVE TO 'BOAT': NASIM

Health and Family Welfare Minister Mohammed Nasim yesterday said there is no alternative to “Boat” (AL electoral symbol) for further development of the country.

He said this while speaking at an extended meeting with AL leaders at his Sirajganj residence, reports BSS. “The election will be held as per the country's constitution like other democratic states.” Regarding BNP, he said, “…Khaleda Zia must join the polls to save the party's existence.”

BNP HATCHING CONSPIRACY: HASAN

Awami League Publicity and Publications Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud yesterday said BNP is hatching conspiracy to create a chaotic situation centring the next general elections.

“BNP wants to fish in troubled waters by creating instability in the country. The party is now seeking permission to hold a public rally at Suhrawardy Udyan aiming to create an unusual situation…,” he said.

The AL spokesperson was addressing a discussion on New Year pledges, organised by Bangladesh Swadhinata Parishad at Jatiya Press Club in the capital.

FOIL BNP'S PLOT AGAINST POLLS: INU

Khaleda Zia's conspiracy to foil the next general elections will be resisted, said Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu yesterday.

Inu made the remark at a function arranged at Jatiya Press Club, marking 32nd founding anniversary of Jatiya Party.

Inu, also Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal president, said the nation will face six challenges in the New Year, which include resisting Khaleda’s conspiracy to foil the next election, holding the polls in time and combating militancy.