BNP instigating a civil war: Quader

Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday alleged that BNP is “instigating a civil war” by calling its leaders and activists to guard the polling stations during the upcoming general election.

“They [BNP] are instigating a civil war in the country. What is the meaning of 300-500 activists and leaders 'guarding each polling station'? If we also employ 300-500 people at each station, what will be the situation? Will there be voting or a civil war?” he said.

Quader, also road transport and bridges minister, came up with the remarks while talking to journalists after attending an international seminar of Esthetica dermatologists at a city hotel.

The BNP leaders are instigating violence by delivering aggressive speeches, he said, adding that it will harm the peaceful environment prior to the national election.

Replying to a question from a journalist, the AL leader said, “I see no biased activity of the Election Commission (EC); rather the EC did not respond to some of our complaints, saying that the RPO does not cover those.”

Replying to another question, Quader said BNP is the driving force of the Jatiya Oikyafront and all directives are coming from London.

The Oikyafront is mainly controlled by BNP leader Tarique Rahman, he added.

BNP is just using the Oikyafront top leaders, including Dr Kamal Hossain, he claimed.

Talking about BNP-Jamaat alliance, the AL general secretary said, “BNP is depending on Jamaat. There will be no crack in their relationship; BNP needs Jamaat's militant force to check Awami League.”