Vengeful politics not good for democracy

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday said their party never engages in politics of vengeance as it is not good for democracy.

"Awami League is the most tolerant political party of the country. It witnessed the brutality of August 15 massacre, November 3 jail killings and August 21 grenade attacks but did not do politics of vengeance," he said while inaugurating BRTC double-decker bus service on Dhaka-Narayanganj route.

Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, joined the function through videoconferencing from his official residence on parliament premises.

The minister said democracy is a developing process as it flourishes through participation of all political parties. But the irony is that though BNP talks about democracy, it stays far away from playing the role needed to strengthen it, he added.

He said BNP takes part in elections to make the polls questionable. BNP talks about democracy but it involves in evil attempts to make elections questionable, he added.

The AL general secretary said BNP is the architect of politics of killing, conspiracy and terrorism in the country. "But, Awami League is a pro-people party. It always stayed with people in the past and will do so in the future," he said.

About BNP's allegation that if anyone criticises the government, he or she disappears, Quader said BNP is spreading their traditional falsehood by making such fabricated and misleading comments. He urged BNP to refrain from presenting such false information.

AL does not fear criticism rather it has the courage to take lessons from constructive criticisms, he added.

Regarding the transport sector, the minister asked all concerned to remain alert so that unskilled drivers cannot drive vehicles. Bus drivers and other staffers must wear their specific uniform, he added.