Obaidul Quader, the General Secretary of the Awami League and Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, remarked that the BNP had initiated opposition against India without any political grounds.

Quader made these statements on Saturday (March 23) during an Iftar and Eid materials distribution ceremony at the Dhaka District Awami League office in Tejgaon. At this time, 2,000 individuals received Iftar and Eid provisions.

During the event, Obaidul Quader noted, "I've witnessed this propaganda since the era of Pakistan, where whenever there's a lack of political agenda, a single issue is rallied against the Awami League. Initially, it was directed towards Bangabandhu, but now Sheikh Hasina is being targeted. That issue is opposition to India."

He emphasised on the contrast between BNP and the Awami League, stating, "While BNP hosts Iftar parties, the Awami League engages in distributing Iftar items. They throw a party, we extend assistance. That's the disparity between BNP and the Awami League. The initiative taken by the Awami League to distribute Iftar among the general populace should be replicated throughout Dhaka city."

Quader continued, "BNP is a power-centric party, solely focused on filling their pockets. Under Sheikh Hasina's leadership, Awami League is the party dedicated to developing people's destinies. Since they're out of power for a considerable period, they haven't had the chance to exploit resources. BNP cannot sustain without the Hawa Bhaban, as it's a party driven by power, not by people's interests. Awami League is the people's party, while BNP is the power-oriented party. That's the fundamental difference between the two."

He criticised BNP's stance on India nothing, "BNP leaders' actions don't align with their words. They initiated anti-India rhetoric when they had no other agenda."

Discussing India's role in Bangladesh, Quader acknowledged India's support against attempts to manipulate votes and added, "Despite allegations of India's influence, the people of Bangladesh voted overwhelmingly for Sheikh Hasina with more than 41% of the vote, a feat that many developed countries struggle to achieve. The people voted, not India. They stood by us to protect our votes from manipulation."

Furthermore, Quader addressed the current economic scenario, stating, "Although the prices of some commodities are decreasing, such as onions dropping to taka 30, we anticipate further decreases, making essentials more affordable for the common man."

The event was chaired by Dhaka District Awami League President Benazir Ahmed, with Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F. Rahman, Awami League Presidium Member Kamrul Islam, and Awami League National Committee Member Abdul Baten Mia also speaking. Dhaka District Awami League General Secretary Paniruzzaman Tarun presided over the proceedings.