Quader: Govt unbothered by US statement on polls

Bangladesh is not in the slightest discomfort over the United States's statement that the January 7 election was not free or fair, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said on Friday.

Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, was speaking at a press conference at the Awami League president's office at Dhanmondi in the capital, reports UNB.

“We have a relationship with the United States. We are patient enough to make the relationship better. And US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas has talked about taking the relationship with Bangladesh forward,” he said.

“The BNP's non-participation in the election was part of a conspiracy against the country's sovereignty. Even after the election, evil forces under the leadership of the BNP are trying to make the election controversial,” said the politician.

“There were local and foreign forces in play to install an unelected person in power in an undemocratic way,” he said.

“Sheikh Hasina has proved that an election is possible under an elected government. If the BNP had participated in this election, it would have been more competitive. However, the election was not voter-free or uncontested despite their absence,” added Quader.

Regarding the BNP's being quiet, Quader said: “They (BNP) are now gathering strength for major violence. I want them to return to positive politics from negative politics."

“We do not have time to waste on the crisis. Those in responsible positions should talk about responsibility,” he said.

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