Former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed and former army chief Aziz Ahmed were appointed to their positions based on merit and seniority, not due to political affiliations with the Awami League, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said on Tuesday (4 June).
"Neither Benazir Ahmed nor Aziz Ahmed is a member of the Awami League. Benazir was appointed as IGP based on his seniority and qualification, and the same applies to Aziz Ahmed," said Quader at a representative meeting organised by the Dhaka District Awami League in Tejgaon, Dhaka.
Quader, who also serves as the road transport and bridges minister, said, “The Awami League has not placed anyone in high positions in the police, army, RAB, or administration by violating discipline. It was Begum Khaleda Zia who bypassed eight senior officers to appoint Moeen Ahmed as the army chief.”
He further criticised the opposition BNP for speaking against corruption and money laundering while their party leader is serving a sentence for corruption. "BNP’s Acting Chairman is a convicted fugitive involved in arms smuggling and money laundering cases," said Quader.
The ruling party general secretary said, “Our Prime Minister is recognised as an honest politician both at home and abroad. There is no room to question her integrity.”
Quader urged party members to refrain from actions that could tarnish the party’s reputation, hinting at a discrepancy between the public and internal perception of Benazir Ahmed’s tenure.
Quader also criticised organisations like TIB and Shujan, suggesting that they echo the rhetoric of BNP leaders Mirza Fakhrul and Goyeshwar Chandra Roy, raising questions about their impartiality.
“The 12th parliamentary election was the most peaceful in history, even without the participation of the opposition BNP. Voter turnout was significant, with no casualties reported.”
The meeting was presided over by Dhaka North Awami League President Sheikh Bazlur Rahman and conducted by General Secretary SM Mannan Kochi, with various leaders from the Dhaka North Awami League in attendance.
