US visa policy curtails BNP's 'destructive politics': Quader

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Monday said the government has not been discomforted by the US visa policy. Instead, the policy has curtailed the BNP's "arson-terrorism and destructive politics" carried out under the guise of political movements.

In a statement sent to media protesting BNP General Secretary Mirza Fakhrul's comment on US President Joe Biden's selfie with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Obaidul Quader said the Awami League believes that the source of power is the people of the country.

"The selfie taken by the US President will not bring the AL in power, but it is an indication of Bangladesh's good relations with the US," he said.

On 10 September, Mirza Fakhrul said the Awami League has become bankrupt and is therefore beating the drum about Joe Biden's selfie with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Obaidul Quader said in the statement, "BNP leaders have been spreading misinformation that the current government has no friends. The selfie with the US President is a clear rebuttal to this claim. Other world leaders have also exchanged pleasantries with the prime minister in a warm spirit."

The Road Transport and Bridges Minister also said that even though Bangladesh is not a member, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's participation as a guest at the G-20 Summit has garnered significant attention from global leaders.

"Sheikh Hasina has emerged as a focal point of interest among world leaders, owing to her remarkable leadership, exceptional personality, and efficiency. Through her talent, vision, integrity, and successful governance, Bangladesh, once plagued by poverty and uncertainty, has transitioned into a developing nation today."

Obaidul Quader said the unprecedented success attained by Bangladesh over the past decade and a half can be attributed to the visionary actions and policies implemented by the Prime Minister.

"This is evident in the praise and admiration expressed by world leaders for her exceptional ability and proficiency in effectively governing the nation. Prominent figures such as French President Emmanuel Macron have commended Sheikh Hasina's exemplary leadership."

The AL general secretary emphasised that no patriotic individual or political organisation should harbour the intent to isolate the country. However, the BNP has persistently engaged in such detrimental schemes for an extended period, endeavouring to misguide the public through activities that go against the national interest.

"BNP leaders frequently seek the favour of their foreign masters, all while attempting to deceive foreign diplomats and organisations by disseminating inaccurate information about Bangladesh," he said.