Quader urges diplomats not to make unwanted comments on internal affairs

General Secretary of Awami League (AL) and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader urged foreign diplomats to refrain from making unwanted comments on the internal affairs of Bangladesh.

“Ambassador of the embassy talks so deep! Don't ruin the friendship. We want friendship. There was a deep pain in the past like '75, '71. Still we want friendship. If you do this, the friendship will crack. None will get benefits from that,” he said.

He was addressing a preparatory meeting arranged by the party’s reception sub-committee on the occasion of the AL's 22nd national conference at Awami League President Sheikh Hasina’s political office at Dhanmondi.

The AL general secretary said the face of the United States and the situation of democracy were witnessed on January 6, adding, “One party did not accept their elections and results. There were allegations of false practice. Election fraud is not only described in Bangladesh, but also such words are being used in America. At that time, five people died.”

“Congress was affected. We saw how Nancy Pelosi was hiding,” he added.

Quader said, “Why are you saying these things unnecessarily? Daily mass shoot (indiscriminate firing) took place at least twice a week. Five, 10 people died in each shoot and19 children also died in a mass shoot. You talk about human rights!”

Mentioning that police did not ensure security on time, he said, “You people talked about courts of Bangladesh!”

“What are taking place there? Let everyone see their appearance first,” Quader said.

About the AL’s national council, he advised not to include names of the same person in all committees.

“Many people did not join political activities during the bad days of the party but now they are visible to get posts. They are acting like opportunists ahead of the national council. We need proactive people instead of those opportunists,” he said.

Regarding invitation of the foreigners to the council, Quader said, “We will invite foreign mission officers and diplomats, World Bank and other representatives. We will send them invitation cards. Seats should also be arranged for them in the conference.”

He underscored the need for confirmation of the presence of the invited guests.

Awami League presidium member Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim chaired the meeting. Among others, chairman of the international sub-committee Dr Zamir, AL Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, international affairs secretary Dr Shammi Ahmed, state minister for Information and Communication Technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak were present.

Sheikh Fazlul Karim Selim said that diplomats are making one-sided statements, as they made a statement before occurring incident.

“I saw bloodshed of the police on television. But the diplomats did not issue or make statements regarding the issue (cops injuries at Naya Paltan),” he added.

Selim, however, said that diplomats’ statements were published in such a way that Awami League is destroying the democracy.

About the next election he said the general polls will be held as per the constitution.