BNP is trying to impede electoral process: Quader

Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader today said BNP is trying to obstruct the process of holding fair elections by creating an unstable situation in the country.

"BNP has repeatedly caused damage to Bangladesh, while Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is repairing those. Today, by creating instability in the country, they [the BNP] want to impede the process of holding fair elections," he told a joint meeting at the AL's Bangabandhu Avenue central office in Dhaka this afternoon.

The joint meeting was held among the secretaries of the party and the presidents and general secretaries of Dhaka North and North City units of the AL and its affiliated bodies.

Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, said BNP men created chaos in various places of the country, including Keraniganj and Khagrachhari, and staged drama to put responsibility on the ruling Awami League.

"Through all these, they are giving wrong message. But I will ask the AL leaders and activists to deal with the situation calmly. We will not do anything in advance. But, if any attack on AL men takes place, they [the BNP] will not be spared," he warned.

The AL general secretary said no sanction will stop the elections and the government has no headache about sanctions.

"Foreigners are our friends, not masters. The BNP is involved in ill politics. If the ruling Awami League remains united, BNP will be defeated," he added.

He said as the country's constitution does not allow the caretaker government system, the BNP will be affected by the US visa policy if it demands restoration of this system.

"Now it is a matter to see what the US's position will be about those who will impede the process of free and fair elections. The Awami League wants free and fair elections, but BNP is hatching plots to disrupt the elections," Quader said.