AL not to counter BNP's rally: Obaidul

Published: November 13, 2017 21:53:54 | Updated: November 14, 2017 15:39:16

- File Photo

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said his party will arrange a civil gathering on November 18 not to counter BNP's rally.

"It is not completely a political programme...if anyone finds the smell of divisive politics that won't be fair," said the Road, Transport and Bridges Minister on Monday.

The ruling party plans a rally on November 18 at Suhrawardy Udyan to celebrate the recognition of Bangabandhu's 7th March Speech as part of the world's documentary heritage by UNESCO.

He also said AL will not hold any rally on working days considering people's sufferings and every political party should consider this.

Obaidul Quader came up with the remarks at a meeting jointly organised by Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) and Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) at the Jatiya Press Club.

Referring to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's Sunday's speech, he said, making a promise for qualitative change is not suitable for those who started bad politics, supports communalism and militancy.

Talking about the ninth wage board for the journalists, Quader said he has told the Information Minister to look into the matter carefully.

Former Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique, Jatiya Press Club General Secretary Farida Yasmin, DUJ President Shaban Mahmud and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Kamrul Hasan Khan, also addressed the programme.

According to UNB, BFUJ President Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul presided over the meeting.