Barring AL leaders relatives in local polls a policy decision: Quader

Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader, also Road Transport and Bridges Minister, on Sunday claimed that it is a policy decision of the Awami League to prevent relatives of ministers and MPs from taking part in local government elections, and there is no legal issue in the matter.

At a press briefing at the Awami League Presidents political office in Dhanmondi on Sunday, Quader, said the party has not allotted symbols in the upazila elections because it thinks that voting will be more participatory and competitive if the polls are held without symbols.

"This does not mean that other parties cannot allocate symbols in these elections. Other parties are free to allocate their symbols in elections, if they want," he added.
In response to a query about conflict with the USA, the Minister said Awami League is not in any conflict with the United States. But, there is nothing to do if their interests are hurt. It doesn mean that we don have good relations with the country.

Regarding suppression of protesters at different US universities, Quader said, "They (USA) talk about human rights in our country, but violate  rights in their own country. They are doing the same thing they did during the Vietnam War. This is the USAs double standards on the human rights issue. Why should we not talk about this?"

He noted that there is an economic crisis in the world due to war, which is also affecting Bangladesh. "There is nothing to hide that the people have been in tremendous pressure due to high commodity prices."

Among others, AL Organizing Secretaries Abu Sayeed Al Mahmud Swapan, Mirza Azam, SM Kamal Hossain, Science and Technology Secretary Abdus Sabur, Cultural Secretary Asim Kumar Ukil and Deputy-Office Secretary Sayem Khan were also present.