Govt investigating whether BNP has links to syndicates, Quader says

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said the government is looking into who is involved in market syndicates and hoarding and investigating whether the BNP has any connections with them.

“The BNP may try to embarrass the administration and obstruct the progress of the elected government through syndicates during Ramadan,” Quader, the road transport and bridges minister, told a meeting at the Awami League's central office on Bangabandhu Avenue on Thursday.

Regarding surges in commodity prices, the minister said the government under the prime minister's leadership is working to bring the prices within the reach of the general public.

“Sheikh Hasina is performing duties as a crisis manager. She is also trying to control the prices of goods in various ways,” he said.

On the issue of bringing prices under control, Quader brought up his recent visit to Singapore, where he also saw a significant rise in commodity prices.

The whole world is facing an increase in gas, energy and commodity prices, he said. “This crisis is also going on in America and Europe.” 

Quader said the BNP did not come to the election despite this crisis. Failing in its movement, it said there would be a famine in March after the election, Quader recalled.

Talking about a Bangladesh-flagged ship captured by pirates, the minister said the government is making all efforts to rescue the ship and its sailors. 

He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is very active in rescuing the hostages. The 26 hostages also have insurance. Famine-stricken Somalia has a fragile law and order situation and the main goal of the pirates is to collect ransom.

Responding to journalists' questions about the negative impact of Dr Yunus's sentencing on relations with the US, Quader said: “Dr Yunus is just a person. He is a citizen of Bangladesh, not the US. Bangladesh has its own law, which is equal for all. Workers filed a case against him for non-payment.”

Regarding BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's permission for medical treatment abroad, the minister said: “We need to consider the demand's logic. The government is not apathetic.”

“The BNP now talks big about Begum Zia and criticizes the government. But they did not fight the legal battle in the court over the caretaker government's case for years, just delayed the trial. It must be admitted that Khaleda Zia can receive treatment from home due to the generosity of Sheikh Hasina.” he added.