Communications Minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday said the government would take an initiative to reach a consensus with the opposition after January 24 for holding the 11th national election in a more meaningful and participatory manner. “Let the 10th national election be held as it’s almost close to an end,” he told reporters at his Secretariat office mentioning that an initiative will be taken to reach a consensus with BNP for holding the 11th national election in a more meaningful manner. Quader came up with the remark when his attention was drawn to the current political situation in the country. Asked whether BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia is under ‘house arrest’, the Communications Minister said, “As of now, she’s not under house arrest. There has been additional deployment of security personnel to ensure her security.” Responding to a question about mounting public sufferings in absence of public transport on the streets, he said temporary sufferings are good for a longer-term relief. “The opposition is responsible for people’s sufferings.” Apparently terming the BNP’s Dhaka March programme a flop, the Communications Minister said the programme has turned into a fairytale as there has been seen no public gathering in their programme venue. – UNB
