The General Secretary of the ruling Awami League and Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, Obaidul Quader, has castigated convicted fugitive Tareq Rahman, labeling him as the bane of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). He asserted that as long as Rahman remains at the helm of the party, BNP will continue to flounder, ensnared in a web of errors.
Quader made these remarks during a discussion with Awami League leaders from the Khulna division, while gearing up for the commemoration of Mujibnagar Day on April 17. He expressed concern that BNP, under Rahman`s leadership from London, is grappling with internal strife and unable to break free from its cycle of mistakes.
"The notion of remotely controlled politics is preposterous," Quader challenged Rahman, urging him to return to Bangladesh and engage in politics directly, even if it entails facing imprisonment. He dismissed the efficacy of calls for boycotts and criticized BNP`s failed attempts to mobilize public support against Indian products.
Emphasizing Awami League`s commitment to internal democracy, Quader contrasted it with BNP`s alleged lack thereof. He mocked BNP`s newfound advocacy for democracy, given its history of authoritarianism and alleged involvement in anti-democratic activities.
Responding to allegations of torture against BNP activists, Quader demanded evidence to support these claims, accusing BNP of fabricating stories to garner sympathy. He also dismissed pro-BNP freedom fighters as "freedom fighters by accident," questioning their commitment to Bangladesh`s liberation struggle.
On the occasion of the 104th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Quader stressed the need to enhance the quality of healthcare facilities in Bangladesh. He highlighted the sorry state of some hospitals, advocating for improvements and the expansion of critical services like intensive care units (ICUs).
Quader underscored the importance of the health sector, proposing the construction of a modern hospital spanning the Padma River. He lamented the shortcomings exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic and called for greater accountability and transparency in managing healthcare resources.
Awami League`s health and population affairs sub-committee organized the meeting, chaired by Kazi Zafrullah, a presidium member of the party. Quader`s remarks underscored the party`s commitment to commemorating the birth of Bangladesh and its ongoing efforts to improve the nation`s healthcare infrastructure.
