No deal against country’s interest: Quader

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today underscored that the government will not seal any deal with India against national interests.

“We maintain positive relationship with India. But if we sign any deal with them, it will be in favour of our national interest,” he said in a party programme in Dhaka.

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“I am telling you (people) clearly that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina cannot sign any deal with India against Bangladesh’s national interest,” he said.

The political sphere of the country is abuzz with the premier’s upcoming India visit – where she is expected to sign some agreements. Media reports, those are military and security deals.

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Political opponent BNP is beating a drum that the deals lined up for Hasina’s signature “under the lure of Teesta water agreement” will be against Bangladesh’s sovereignty.

...Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina cannot sign any deal with India against Bangladesh’s national interest: Obaidul Quader

There is much talk about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s India visit as it was cancelled once earlier last year only to be revised and rescheduled to the end of the first quarter of this year.

Obaidul Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister in the cabinet, was speaking on this issue at a party rally organised in memento of March 7, 1971 at Bangabandhu Avenue.

“BNP is speaking in favour of India to come to power,” Obaidul said. “When outside power, they fear India. We neither favour India nor fear it.”

Describing India as a “friend in need”, Quader said the friendship between the two countries will remain for the sake of the country. “If the people don’t want it, ties with India will be broken.”