‘Send Obaidul Quader to retirement’

Muktijuddho Moncho, a platform comprising descendants of freedom fighters, yesterday demanded an apology from Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader for his remark regarding membership of the party.

AKM Jamal Uddin, a teacher of Dhaka University’s sociology department and convener of the platform, placed the demand at a press conference held at Dhaka University Journalists’ Association (Duja) office.

While speaking at a press conference on June 30 about AL’s member collection campaign, Obaidul Quader said there is no rationale in considering if anyone’s family member was involved with war crime when collecting members.

“His speech is a clear violation of the political ideology of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the spirit of liberation war. He even violates the constitution by giving the speech which the Moncho considers a threat to the autonomy of the country. We think that he has lost the legitimacy to be in the government [cabinet],” said Jamal Uddin while reading out a statement.

“The nation hopes that he will withdraw the remark and offer unconditional apology to Awami League men and countrymen. Or else, Muktijuddho Moncho along with AL activists will wage a countrywide protest demanding his resignation,” he added.

The platform also urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to send Obaidul Qauder to retirement, adding that otherwise he will cause more damage to Bangabandhu’s ideology, spirit of liberation war, and the government.

Muktijuddho Moncho will form a human chain tomorrow in front of national museum and burn an effigy of the AL general secretary, protesting his speech.

Meanwhile Obaidul Quader, while exchanging views with the newly-elected executive committee members of Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) yesterday, said none of the family members of war criminals and anti-liberation forces will be inducted into Awami League, reports UNB.