Quader terms BNP’s sit-in ‘illegal’

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has termed BNP’s sit-in programme, which was foiled by police yesterday, illegal and said it met fitting response of the law enforcers.

“If they interfere with the busy road near Press Club, police will interfere. It is illegal to block a road by demonstration,” he told reporters in Narayanganj, our local correspondent reports.

“Their activists are fugitives and wanted by police. They stay in hiding, and appear during these programmes. If police find these fugitives, will they let them go?” he said.

“Police is bound to stop illegal activities. Awami League did not block roads for its programme. We hosted our programme in a field. There is no discrimination here,” Quader said.

Yesterday, BNP tried to stage a sit-in near Jatiya Press Club, as part of its peaceful demonstration to press of the release of their Chairperson Khaleda Zia, which was foiled by police. Some activists were detained.

ObaidulQuader was referring to that incident when speaking to reporters in Fatullah.

Regarding the upcoming general election, Quader said the matter of a level-playing field will come into focus after the Election Commission declares polls schedule, which, he said, might be given by October.