Published on 12:00 AM, February 08, 2019

Rizvi invites Obaidul Quader to join BNP

In this file photo, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Rizvi Ahmed is seen speaking at a press conference on December 15, 2018, at the party's central office in Nayapaltan.

BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi yesterday invited Awami League general secretary Obaidul Quader to join BNP as its adviser, since he has long been giving the party various suggestions.

“The Awami League general secretary is regularly giving BNP various advice at different programmes about what the party should do... he's also saying in advance about decisions of our party, and giving us various suggestions,” Rizvi said.

Speaking at a press briefing at BNP's Nayapaltan central office, he further said, “The way he [Quader] is talking about BNP, it seems he wants to join BNP. So, there's no point for him to remain with Awami League now. Rather, I urge him to join BNP, and our party's door is open for him.”

The BNP leader said ruling party leaders and activists are passing days with anxiety thinking of the consequences they will have to face for their "misdeeds".

“They are secretly keeping contact with BNP leaders and activists in different areas. Awami League leaders and activists are worried about their future. So, Obaidul Quader and some other leaders are voluntarily trying to be the adviser of BNP.”

Rizvi said though their party is not in the parliament, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is "spitting venom" against the Zia family in the House.

The BNP leader said no one, except for the prime minister and her party leaders and activists, said the election was free and fair. “Even partners of the grand alliance are saying the voting was held the night before the election. The prime minister's digital hunger for power has snatched democracy.”