Staff Reporter:
Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said that the border’s security has been reinforced due to the challenges arising from the internal conflict in Myanmar.
Addressing concerns about the border, he emphasized that Bangladesh does not support a liberal opening of borders and will officially communicate its apprehensions about the Myanmar conflict to the United Nations through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Quader made these remarks during a press briefing at the Awami League’s central office on Bangabandhu Avenue in the capital on Thursday afternoon.
Quader highlighted that those seeking refuge in Bangladesh were members of Myanmar’s border guard and army.
He emphasized that the Myanmar ambassador has been summoned, and they must take back those who fled to Bangladesh.
Quader said: “We cannot live in fear at our border. Our foreign ministry is actively engaged, and we will write to the United Nations. The issue of the Myanmar border has also been brought to India’s attention during discussions with their foreign minister, who is currently in India.”
Addressing allegations from BNP regarding Bangladesh’s position in the crossfire, the minister commented: “BNP has lost its direction. Leaders from countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and France have expressed support and cooperation with Bangladesh. BNP’s hopes have been dashed; their movement has failed. They hoped for foreign assistance, but it has proven elusive. So, they are making baseless statements. Our workers need to remain steadfast.”
Responding to questions about the location of Rohingyas and potential infiltration into Bangladesh, Quader pointed out that it was BNP that initially allowed Rohingyas to enter when they were in power.
He questioned whether they had forgotten their own history and highlighted the international appreciation for the steps taken by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to address the Rohingya crisis.
Regarding the distribution and submission of nomination forms for Awami League’s women reserved seats in the 12th national parliament, Quader shared that 1,549 nomination forms were sold in the last three days, generating an income of Tk7,74,50,000.
He announced that the party’s parliamentary nomination board meeting would be held on February 14, with Awami League president Sheikh Hasina presiding.
Quader underscored Awami League’s commitment to democracy, emphasizing that the party not only advocates for democracy but practices it within its ranks. In contrast, he criticized BNP for not holding a party conference for many years.
