The government will not allow political movements called by the opposition parties if they are violent acitivities and obstruct regular life, Awami League (AL) General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said.
He made the remarks during a press conference at the political office of the AL president in Dhanmondi on Tuesday (20 February).
Responding to a question if the government will now allow the opposition parties to hold political movements as PM Hasina said any movement by opposition parties would not be hindered before the election, Quader said, “If violent activities are part of their [opposition parties] the movement, then those will not be allowed. If they proceed with a peaceful political programme, why would we stop them?”
“The word ‘movement’ is the language of the opposition. Even if there is no actual movement, they have to say it verbally,” he added.
When asked whether the government had jailed senior BNP leaders before the on purpose, Obaidul Quader said, "Not at all. They have been jailed for the 28 October incident - killing police, attacking the Chief Justice's house, attacking journalists among other things. They were arrested on charges."
"After that, it has been a matter of the court. They were released when the court granted them bail," he added.
About making committees at different levels of the party, the AL leader said, “The working committee of our party recently held meetings on organisational matters.”
“We have eight committees formed in eight divisions regarding the organisational discipline of the party. Those committees will periodically call the leaders of our allied fraternal organisations at the district and upazila levels as per the needs of the party. We will meet to resolve any issues. It is our decision. We may be starting soon,” he added.
