Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today said the permission for party leaders to run as independent candidates in the upcoming national election was a "strategic decision".

"Awami League is moving forward, changing strategy as per the need of the time. There is no bar to dummy candidates following the guideline of the party chief [Sheikh Hasina]," he said.

Quader, road transport and bridges minister, came up with the remarks after paying homage to Dr Shamsul Alam Khan Milon marking Shaheed Dr Milon Day on the Dhaka University premises.

He said Awami League does not need companions, as people are its strength. BNP needs accomplices for their misdeeds, said the AL leader.

People of the country have been eagerly waiting for the election along with party leaders and activists as election season has already started in the country, he said.

Quader, also road, transport and bridges minister, said the upcoming election has generated a massive tide of public support that cannot be foiled by sporadic bombings and arson attacks.

The Awami League general secretary also alleged that BNP is now hatching a conspiracy to foil the election after its movement "failed".