Dhaka, Sept 17 – Awami League (AL) general secretary (GS) Obaidul Quader won’t contest for the post of GS in the next national council of the party, but if party chief wants him again for the post than he will abide by AL chief’s order. Besides, action will be taken against vice-chancellor of Jahangirnagar University (JU) Professor Farzana Islam if probed her involvement in monetary dealings with Bangladesh Chatra League (BCL).
Obaidul Quader, who is also road transport and bridges minister came up with this while talking to reporters during a press briefing on various contemporary issues at the secretariat yesterday.
“I wouldn’t contest the next council for the post of general secretary. But, if the parry chief and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina give me the responsibility again for the same post than I will abide by it,” the AL general secretary said while responding to a query.
He said, the councilors depend on the mindset of the party leader Sheikh Hasina at the council.
“Our party’s president Sheikh Hasina is the supreme of the party. Party’s general secretary conducted the duties as per directives of the party president. So, whether I will be the general secretary again—it depends on the will of party chief. If she wants than I will perform duties as GS and I will step back if she wants. But whoever elected for the post of GS—I will welcome him or her,” Obaidul Quader said.
Anybody can be candidate for the post and it is party leader’s rights, he said, adding that everything depended on the will of party chief.
“Whoever choice by the AL chief—he or she will be the leader of the party. I am fortunate that I am performing duties as GS for a major party like AL. It is a matter of big honour for me. Even, many senior leaders didn’t carry out the responsibility as GS of the party,” the AL general secretary Quader said.
The party general secretary said they have strengthened the drive to clean up rogue leaders and activists inside the AL and its associate bodies.
Meanwhile, the party has already started a drive against the party’s corrupt and rough leaders and activists in AL and its associate bodies, he added.
“None will be spared if any allegation is probed against any leader or activist. It’s a major example that BCL president and its general secretary has removed from their posts recently,” Quader said.
When asked regarding resignation of JU VC as there are allegations for involvement her in commission trading, he replied, nobody is above the law.
“Why JU VC will resign? What are the causes behind demand for her resignation? Is it her moral turpitude? None is above the law. It will definitely be taken tough action against JU VC if probed her involvement in misdeeds, corruption and commission trading during investigation,” Obaidul Quader said.
Meanwhile, the secretary general of BNP Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has demanded resignation of JU VC.
Regarding BNP’s demand, the AL general secretary said, “he (Fakhrul) also demanded the resignation of Prime Minister. He himself demanded his (Fakhrul) resignation. Even, he resigned from MP post despite winning in the election. Fakhrul didn’t keep his words as he sent another person to the Parliament from his vacant constituency.”
Quader also criticized BNP leader’s double standard. BNP don’t belief in democracy, he said, adding that the people of the country don’t belief their words as there democratic crisis inside their party (BNP) too.
However, the education ministry has taken initiative to enquire the JU VC’s allegation. The University of Grand Commission (UGC) will enquire allegation brought against JU VC Farzana Islam. – Staff Reporter
