Published on 03:29 PM, March 01, 2019

BNP to face crisis in next JS polls if continues boycotting polls: Quader

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader. File photo

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today said that the country’s major political parties would face a major setback if they refrain from taking part in the local government elections.

“BNP will plunge into a crisis in the next general election as it has started boycotting election deceptively,”Quader said this while addressing a press conference at party’s Chief Sheikh Hasina’s Dhanmondi political office in Dhaka this noon.

In his reaction over the just ended Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) by-election, Quader said BNP leader Sadeque Hossain Khoka was elected as mayor of then undivided city corporation in 2001 when “only 10 percent votes were cast.”

As per the proportion, yesterday’s DNCC polls was better than that of the 2001 election, said Quader also road transport and bridges minister.

“It is not a democratic way to stay aside from election,” Quader said adding that grassroots leaders of BNP are seen taking part in the local body election and being expelled by the higher authority of the party.

Responding to a query, the Awami League leader said earlier BNP took part in the city corporation elections and secured victory in four cities. “It means BNP takes part in polls sensing favorable time.”

When asked about poor turnout of voters, he said a major political party did not participate in the election alongside, it was a holiday and most of the voters went to their village houses on the day.

Despite these, the presence of voters in the DNCC election was good enough comparative to the others one, he added.

When asked about BNP’s allegation that the government has destroyed the country’s democracy, Quader said BNP has failed in waging movement and securing victory in the election and thus it has nothing to say without playing deceptive role.