Photo: Messenger
The General Secretary of the ruling Awami League (AL), Obaidul Quader, asserted that U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh, Peter Haas, extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina following the January 7 general elections.
Quader made these remarks during a joint meeting at the AL's Bangabandhu Avenue office on Sunday.
In his statement, Quader addressed the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) saying, "You (BNP) showed us (AL) many colors hoping to go to power with the help of US Ambassador Peter Haas. But he (Haas) also eventually congratulated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Now, whom will you play with? Whom will you engage in your conspiracy, and what will you do now?"
He further commented on the BNP's speculation about the imposition of visa restrictions by the United States, advising BNP leaders to wait patiently until any such decision is made.
Quader dismissed claims by Transparency International, Bangladesh (TIB), that the January 7 election was staged-managed and one-sided. He argued that the election was free, fair, and competitive, receiving congratulations from powerful nations worldwide.
Quader explained that the decision to allow Awami League members to run as independent candidates in the 12th national election was a strategic move to ensure victory.
He stated, "This time there was a competitive election. As the opposition party boycotted the election, a new strategy became necessary [to secure victory]. Awami League has got the outcome of the strategy. A significant portion of the parliament now consists of independent candidates."
The AL General Secretary emphasized that both local and foreign journalists closely monitored the election proceedings, and the world recognized it as well-conducted. However, he noted a lack of appreciation from a specific party in Bangladesh.
Quader credited Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for strengthening the country's democracy by forming an independent Election Commission. He highlighted the Election Commission's impartiality and independence by issuing show-cause notices to several AL candidates.
Addressing the BNP, Quader stated, "The election train has come to a halt. It will resume again after the next five years."
In the 12th Parliamentary Election, Awami League candidates secured victory in at least 222 constituencies, with independent candidates claiming victory in 62 seats, placing them in the second position. Jatiyo Party won 11 seats, while Bangladesh Workers Party, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), and Bangladesh Kalyan Party each secured one seat.
Messenger/Sun Yath
