Quader challenges BNP's claim on number of jailed activists

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has accused the BNP of lying about the number of its members in jail.

He said: "How did the number of jailled activists increase from 20,000 to 6 million? They should immediately publish the list of 6 million prisoners; otherwise, Mirza Fakhrul will have to apologize to the nation for lying."

This statement was made during a briefing at the Awami League President's political office in Dhanmondi on Monday.

Addressing the BNP, Obaidul Quader said: "April 17 is Mujibnagar Day, the anniversary of the oath-taking of the first government of independent Bangladesh. They deny this day. They deny forming the first government of independent Bangladesh on April 10. They deny June 7, a milestone in the self-determination movement.

"BNP was created to destroy the spirit of Bangladesh's independence. They aim to attack the very existence of Bangladesh."

When asked whether the measures to control commodity prices during Ramadan will continue, the Road Transport and Bridges minister said: "As long as the public needs it, this program will continue in the interest of the people."

Responding to a question about the Israel-Palestine conflict, he said: "We do not want war. We want peace."