Govt more cautious about Khaleda’s security: Quader

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today ruled out concern of BNP over Khaleda Zia’s life security saying that the government is more cautious about the issue.

“Khaleda Zia has been kept there (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University) after ensuring her necessary security,” Quader said while addressing a press conference at party President Sheikh Hasina’s Dhanmondi political office in Dhaka this noon.

From April 1, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been undergoing treatment at the BSMMU where a suspected bomb-like object was recovered from in front of its registrar’s office on the second floor on Thursday.

Soon after the news, BNP expressed concern about the security of Khaleda Zia’s life and called upon the authorities to strengthen her security and proper treatment at the BSMMU.

Terming the recovery of the bomb-like object at the BSMMU an isolated incident, Quader said, “Terrorism is a transnational issue. Bangladesh is not an isolated country and we are not residents of an isolated island. Such type of incident may take place but no incident to be worried about has yet taken place in Bangladesh.”

Quader, also the minister for Road Transport and Bridges, cleared his government’s firm stance in dealing with terrorism saying that the government is more alert but not worried about the issue.   

Sounding a note of caution that the government is well-prepared to avert any untoward situation, Quader said BNP is trying to reorganise its party men creating smokescreen over the issue.

Responding to a query, the Awami League leader said the country’s image and dignity have never been so uplifted in the world since 1975.

“Sheikh Hasina is not like a leader who will forget the national interests during her foreign trips,” he told a questioner, adding that such type of remark is indecorous in mouths of those who indulged in all-out corruption during their tenures.

AL’s 70th founding anniversary June 23

Awami League has chalked out monthlong programmes including seminars, symposium, discussion, art competition and bringing out colorful procession from June 23 to July 23 across the country to observe the party’s 70th founding anniversary.

As part of the programmes, national and party flags will be hoisted at Bangabandhu Bhaban and Awami League’s central office at Bangabandhu Avenue in Dhaka on June 23 morning, Obaidul Quader said.

Later, senior leaders of the party led by its President Sheikh Hasina will place wreaths at the monument of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi road no. 32 on that day.

On June 24, Awami League will hold a discussion meeting at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre where two district level senior leaders of the party from across the country will be given reception in due manner.

Quader at the press conference asked his party men to send two names of the senior leaders in their respective areas to make the event successful.