Awami League Presidium member Obaidul Quader says the debacle in the four city polls were “needed to shake the party up”.He admitted that the government was in a tight spot after the loss in Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal and Sylhet City Corporation elections, but said this was needed.
Quader’s comments come just before the Gazipur city polls due Sunday.
When asked if loss in local elections could finally lead to a defeat in upcoming parliamentary polls, the Communication Minister said that popularity was not a constant and there could be “many ups and downs”.
“It is not possible to tell where it will all end up after four months.”
The ruling leader refuted all opposition allegations of irregularities in the Gazipur city polls. “Elections will be peaceful there. The government does not have a policy to adopt unfair means.”
According to him, Jatiya Party was divided over whom to support in Gazipur’s maiden city elections.
“Some are supporting Azmat Ullah and some MA Mannan. Ershad is right about this, since he did not officially support anyone, he has kept the matter open.”
When asked whether Jatiya Party Chairman was a factor for the upcoming parliamentary polls, Quader quipped: “If the people think so, can I do anything about it?”
He expressed his frustration on the current state of politics in Bangladesh. “After compromising values for a long time, the politics is left without any moral values.”
Quader said ‘good’ people were giving up seeing how black money could influence polls. – bdnews24.com
