‘We had talks with Peter Haas' superiors’

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said no one will be able to stop the next general election from taking place as "everything has been settled behind the scenes".

"What would Peter Haas [US ambassador in Dhaka] do? Will he declare visa policy, impose sanctions? We already had talks with Peter Haas' superiors. Talks have been completed with the high-ups in the US… With everything already settled behind the scenes, doing this [waging movement] will not yield any results," he said.

Speaking at a "peace and development rally" in front of the AL central office on Bangabandhu Avenue, Quader today said, "We will not allow you to foil the elections and carry out violence in Dhaka by using Peter Haas."

The road transport and bridges minister said the BNP itself has "blocked" its path to power.

"BNP goes to Peter Haas to have breakfast in the morning and lunch at noon. I don't know what dreams Peter Haas has instilled in them. But there is no use in dreaming of power."

Reiterating that the 12th parliamentary polls will be held on time (likely in the first week of January), the AL leader said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will hold an unprecedented fair election.

"You gave a bad name [to elections] worldwide. So, Sheikh Hasina will hold an unprecedented fair election to get rid of the bad name.

"Elections will be held on time. No one will be able to obstruct the election until Sheikh Hasina is alive. The election will be held in a peaceful manner," he added.

BNP will "lose everything" if it doesn't take part in the national election, he said.

Calling upon the AL leaders and activists to get ready for the election, he said, "Don't get tired. Two more months to go... Games will be played. They [BNP] will commit fouls in the match, so we will have to reply."

AL presidium member Kamrul Islam and Joint General Secretary Hasan Mahmud, among others, spoke at the programme, chaired by Abu Ahmed Mannafi, president of Dhaka city (south) AL.