Quader: Aziz, Benazir not members of Awami League

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Tuesday said former army chief Aziz Ahmed and former IGP Benazir Ahmed are not members of Awami League.

"They attained the positions of army chief and IGP based on their merit and seniority. If they engaged in any misconduct, Sheikh Hasina has the integrity to hold them accountable under the government," he said during an event in Dhaka.

Regarding BNP leaders criticizing these two former officials, Quader said: “No one was punished during your (BNP) time. Your (BNP) party leaders are corrupt themselves. We managed to bring a part of Koko's (Arafat Rahman Koko) money from Singapore. The FBI came to Dhaka and gave evidence against Tarique (Tarique Rahman).

"BNP is speaking against corruption and money laundering. Their party chief is currently serving time on corruption charges. The prime minister has allowed her to receive treatment at home under generosity. The BNP's movement did not gain traction as the people were not involved. They also did not participate in the election for fear of losing."

Obaidul Quader pointed out that the Awami League did not appoint anyone in police, army, RAB, or administration positions after breaking the discipline. 

He said: "The 9th person, Moeen U Ahmed, was made the army chief by bypassing eight people. Who did it? Begum Khaleda Zia did. Who created Ashraful, Rakibul Huda, and Kohinoor? Mirza Fakhrul is throwing stones in the dark. Your (BNP) party's acting chairman is an absconder convicted in arms smuggling, money laundering, and corruption cases. Our prime minister is known as an honest politician both at home and abroad. There is no room to question her integrity."

Obaidul Quader asked for evidence to support the BNP’s claim that Awami League’s main leader is corrupted. He said that BNP is the "king of thieves" and the birthplace of corrupt people.

Criticizing the anti-corruption organization Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and Sujan, he said: "I want to point out that we have organizations like TIB and Sujan. I am a bit confused whether it is Sujan or Kujan. Fakhrul and Gayeshwar seem to be speaking in the same tone as the organizations. People are questioning whether TIB and Sujan are BNP's B team."

The Awami League general secretary said: "Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina takes action when she hears about the poor and sick people of the party. She arranges treatment, we see her kind eye towards the disorder.”