BNP failed to wage movement capitalising onion issue: Quader

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said BNP has failed to wage a movement against the government capitalising the onion price hike issue.

"They (BNP men) also tried to increase the prices of rice and salt by spreading rumours. But, they have failed to do so. As the party has no issue for waging a movement, they try to create a movement capitalising every issue they find," he said.

Quader, also the Awami League General Secretary, was addressing a meeting of AL sub-committee on cultural affairs, formed on the occasion of its national council, at Awami League President Sheikh Hasina's Dhanmondi political office here.

Noting that BNP is now isolated from commoners due to its negative politics, he said that is why the party has taken the path of intrigue to wage a movement against the government. "BNP is now desperate in politics. So, it is in trouble," he added.

Replying to a question, Quader said transport owners and workers have already called off their strikes as the home minister resolved the issue at a meeting with them.

He also reiterated that the new transport law must be implemented aiming to bring discipline in the country's transport sector.

The Awami League General Secretary said the upcoming national council of the ruling party will be a unique one and the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman will be celebrated in a colourful way.

Responding to another query, he said Awami League is more democratic than any other parties in the country, while its leaders are elected through voting.

AL sub-committee president Ataur Rahman, its member secretary Ashim Kumar Ukil, Akbar Hossain Pathan Farooque, MP, and singer SD Rubel were, among others, present.