Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has urged the members of parliament (MPs) not to contest in AL upazila councils for the posts of president and general secretary.

“AL President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has already given an instruction in this regard so that MPs do not contest in AL upazila councils. But they can compete in the AL district councils,” he told a press briefing held on Friday at the AL president’s Dhanmondi political office in the city, reports BSS.

About expansion of AL committees, Quader said it is only jurisdiction of AL President Sheikh Hasina whether the AL committees will be expanded or not.

“There is no alternative to Sheikh Hasina in the Awami League. We need her for the country’s development and the greater interest of its people,” he said.

He said the way Sheikh Hasina is advancing the country is highly admired across the globe.

Quader, also the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, said the upcoming AL national council will be held with festivity where leaders of the country’s all registered political parties, including BNP, and diplomats of different countries will be invited.

About AL Dhaka city councils, he said the councils of Dhaka south and north units of AL will be held on November 30.

The Awami League general secretary said the party will send letters to the AL district leaders to know whether they have any proposal to amend the AL’s constitution.

He said the Awami League wants to celebrate Mujib Year in a colourful manner as global leaders will visit Bangladesh on the occasion.

About BNP’s demand for the release of its chairperson Khaleda Zia, Quader said BNP leaders often say there is no alternative to wage a vigorous movement to free their chairperson, which proves that they have no trust in judiciary.

AL organising secretary and deputy minister for water resources AKM Enamul Haque Shamim, AL science and technology affairs secretary Engr Abdus Sabur and its central leader SM Kamal Hossain, among others, were present at the press briefing.