Quader: Govt will not tolerate unauthorized political programs

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has warned that the government will not tolerate “freestyle” programs of any political party without police permission.

“The BNP's black flag march is illegal,” he said in a press briefing at the Awami League president's office in Dhanmondi on Wednesday.

Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, said no one has called the 12th national election flawed, not even the United States. “US Ambassador Peter Haas has congratulated the prime minister and met with some ministers, including the foreign minister.”

“The US ambassador was there from the start to the finish of the latest parliament session… Everyone has expressed an interest in working with us,” he added.

The minister said the government is taking action, not just talking. “The government has started working on a strategy to regulate the price of commodities. The relevant ministries have received the necessary directives from the prime minister.” 

Prices will not become stable right away, he said, warning of action against whoever violates the law.

About the ruling party’s nominations for the reserved seats for women in parliament, Quader said the Awami League will prioritize tested and selfless leaders.

Obaidul Quader, on Opposition Leader GM Quader's statement about parliament, asked why he came to parliament if it is not functional.

While expressing gratitude to the speaker, it seemed like GM Quader would take some major action, the minister said. “He broke the rules when he talked,” Quader added.