AL will not change decision over independent candidates: Quader

Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said despite objections from the 14-party allies and discomfort among party candidates, the AL will not change its decision over the independent candidates in the upcoming general elections.

"There will be independent candidates in the elections even if the allies have objections. The discomfort of the party-nominated candidates regarding the independent candidates is unnecessary. There is no alternative to contesting in elections. There is no chance to be elected unopposed," he said.

Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, made the remarks while speaking at a press conference at the AL President's Dhanmondi political office on Tuesday.

He said it is not a matter of comfort or discomfort as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has announced that the independent candidates will remain in the elections.

"The Awami League's stance over the independent candidates is clear. But, no one will be allowed to carry out violence...there is no chance to win in the elections unopposed. None can use muscle power or go free-styled," he said.

The AL general secretary said the AL has no objection to the deployment of the army as the striking force in the elections in line with the country's constitution but the AL is against making the army questionable on all issues.

Noting that the January 7 elections could not be foiled through violence, conspiracy and terrorism, he said if the BNP thinks that its people will unleash terrorism and the government will sit idle, it will be their wrong idea.

The Election Commission and the law enforcement agencies must take strong measures against terrorism and violence, Quader said.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the country's development and progress have gone a long way.

Bangladesh's achievements have been appreciated all over the world but there are some people who never appreciate the achievements and development of the country, he said.

They malign and undermine the country before foreigners, he added.

The AL general secretary said the BNP-Jamaat is the biggest threat to the security of this nation as they do politics by taking the country's people hostage.

"BNP-Jamaat's blockade means bus burning and sneak attacks," he added.

AL Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim and Organising Secretaries BM Mozammel Haque, SM Kamal Hossain and Sujit Roy Nandi were present, among others, at the press conference.

/KN/