Will consider if JP wants seat as part of alliance: Quader

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday said if Jatiya Party wants to contest the Rangpur-3 by-polls from the AL-led alliance, his party will consider it.

In the last general elections, JP had contested for the constituency, as the party got it as per seat distribution of the alliance, Quader said. But now JP is acting as the opposition party in the parliament, and it’s up to the party whether it will contest the election separately.

“If they [JP] want the seat as a part of the alliance, Awami League will consider it,” Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, said. He, however said no formal discussion was held on the issue with JP.

He was speaking to journalists at Setu Bhaban, following signing of a memorandum of understanding between Bangladesh Bridge Authority and a Korean corporation for operation and maintenance of Padma Bridge.

The Rangpur-3 constituency fell vacant following the death of JP chairman HM Ershad. The party has nominated his son Saad Ershad for the seat in the by-election, to be held on October 5.

AL has nominated its Rangpur district General Secretary Rezaul Karim Razu as its candidate for the by-election.