By Relatives, PM Means Wife And Children: Quader

General Secretary of Awami League Obaidul Quader said, the statements I made about the upazila elections, many people thought I was speaking in my own. But on Thursday, the leader herself spoke openly about this. By relatives, the prime minister Sheikh Hasina means wife and children.

He made the remarks at a press conference at the Awami League president's office in the capital Dhanmondi today, Friday (May 3).

Obaidul Quader said that the Prime Minister said that no interference can be made there (in the upazila elections). Administration cannot be influenced. Elections cannot be influenced. She (Prime Minister) has clearly said that. We will conduct our party activities according to her (Prime Minister's) guidelines and fulfill our duties according to our leader's guidelines regarding upazila elections as well.

Obaidul Quader also spoke at the press conference about his brother's candidacy in the upazila elections. "There is no question of my support here...I will not tolerate nepotism under any circumstances," he said. "You will see it." 

He also told the reporters, you can ask questions, one of my relatives has also become a candidate in the upazila. The question is, do we have support? You will see whether I am influencing the administration or the election in his favour.

Many relatives still remain as candidates, the general secretary of Awami League said when asked by journalists, many have already started withdrawing. There is more time ahead. If someone wants to withdraw it can be done even after the stipulated time.

The government is obstructing BNP chairperson Begum Zia's treatment abroad, Obaidul Quader said that the caretaker government filed a case against Khaleda Zia, not the Awami League. She was arrested and imprisoned in that case. BNP leaders are responsible. For the negligence of BNP leaders, prolongation of Khaleda Zia's court appearance, one year trial not completed in ten years.

In response to a question about domestic and foreign pressure, Obaidul Quader said, We are running the country, we realize how reasonable the pressure is. How pressure is put on us, we feel while governing the country, while fulfilling the duties of the country.

Awami League general secretary said about election-centric pressure, there were open threats and threats before the elections, there was fear of sanctions. These were given openly. I don't know that there was any privacy involved. There was no secret here. Our statement on this matter is also clear.

Obaidul Quader also said that we will celebrate the 75th silver jubilee of our party through a comprehensive program. I will formulate a detailed program in the editorial meeting. Among these, we will hold programs at all levels across the country on the occasion of the historic homecoming day of Prime Minister, our party President Sheikh Hasina on May 17. I will discuss that in detail.

Organizing Secretary BM Mozammel Haque, SM Kamal Hossain, Deputy Secretary Sayem Khan, Central Executive Member Anisur Rahman and others were present in the press conference.