BNP can only complain: Awami League leader Quader
Dhaka, Jan 5 (IBNS): Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said that Bangladesh Nationalist Party, the key opposition in the Muslim majority country, has no other task left but to make allegations after losing the 2018 general polls.
The Awami League leader made the comments during a press conference over BNP secretary general’s visit to the US ambassador after the 11th parliamentary election.
“What else can they do now other than complaining to foreigners? They were unable to develop a movement in ten years. They have contested the national election and we thank them for that. But even in the election they have failed badly. They have failed to start a movement, failed to win the election, what else can they resort to now?” Quader was quoted as saying by bdnews24.
“They have said many things the general people, and now they are complaining to foreigners. This is a return to their old habits. What can we say about this situation?” added Quader.
The BNP alleged that vote rigging took place during the polls last Sunday.
The party also rejected the outcome of the elections which saw Awami League and its alliance partners returning to power by winning 288 votes.
The opposition-led by BNP won just 7 seats.
US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R Miller on Friday met BNP's secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and discussed the recent general polls of the nation.
They sat in the meeting, starting around 10:05am, at the BNP chairperson's Gulshan office in Dhaka, party sources told The Daily Star.
BNP had boycotted the polls in 2014.
The party contested this time with its leader Khaleda Zia currently lodged in prison over corruption charges.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League-led alliance stormed to power for the third straight time by winning 288 seats.
This is the fourth term of Hasina as the PM of the Muslim-majority nation.
US reaction to polls:
The United States on Wednesday expressed its concern over reports of violence and irregularities during Bangladesh elections and said it 'undermined faith in the electoral process'.
A statement issued by the US state department said: "In this light, we note with concern credible reports of harassment, intimidation, and violence in the pre-election period that made it difficult for many opposition candidates and their supporters to meet, hold rallies, and campaign freely. We are also concerned that election-day irregularities prevented some people from voting, which undermined faith in the electoral process."
The United States is Bangladesh’s largest foreign investor, largest single-country market for Bangladeshi exports, and home to a large community of Americans of Bangladeshi origin.
"We strongly encourage all parties to refrain from violence and request the Election Commission work constructively with all sides to address claims of irregularities. Bangladesh’s impressive record of economic development and respect for democracy and human rights are mutually reinforcing, and we look forward to continue working with the ruling government and opposition towards advancing these interrelated goals," it said.
Violence and life loss during polls:
Amid reports of sporadic violence, at least 17 people died in the nation on the day of polling.
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