Return to positive politics: Quader
Says interest of people not on BNP’s mind
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader yesterday called upon BNP to return to the positive trend of politics in the new year.
The minister said this while speaking at a views-exchange with officials of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) through videoconferencing from his official residence in the capital.
About BNP's announcement of ousting the government through mass-movement in the new year, Quader, also the general secretary of Awami League, said people now laugh at BNP's announcement of movement as there is no issue of waging a mass-upsurge in the country now.
The AL government has already passed 12 years, he said and expressed doubt over BNP's ability to wage a movement.
He said the interests of the country and people are not getting priority in BNP's political strategy. "So, I call upon you (BNP) to return to positive politics in the new year."
Turning to his own party, the AL general secretary said under the leadership of Sheikh Hasina, the party will be made more organised by strengthening its internal discipline.
He said new committees would be formed through councils at those district and city units whose tenures have expired.
Quader urged all concerned to remain alert about intrusion of controversial persons in the party leadership. The party will continue extending cooperation to the government in implementing its electoral pledges, he added.
The minister said the government will prioritise bringing discipline in the roads and highways this year. He sought cooperation from all stakeholders to this end.
He asked the authorities concerned to end domination of brokers at BRTA. He also gave directives to stop plying of three-wheelers on highways and shut down factories that manufacture such vehicles.
Quader reiterated his call to vehicle owners and workers to not carry passengers more than the vehicles' seating capacity. Action will be taken if any vehicle violates the directives, he added.
Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Md Nazrul Islam and BRTA Chairman Nur Mohammad Mazumder and officials concerned also joined the meeting virtually.