BNP behind arson attacks on buses: Quader
He said a video footage of the incident has already been recovered and the presence of BNP workers in the video is recognisable
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has alleged that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is behind the incidents of setting buses on fire at separate places in a series of arson attacks in the capital on Thursday.
While addressing a press conference at Awami League President Sheikh Hasina's Dhanmondi political office on Friday, he said the BNP sabotaged the buses by setting them on fire in a preplanned way.
"The BNP has been committing this malpractice in politics for a long time now. Yesterday's fire incidents were just another manifestation of that. They are trying to create chaos by pushing the country towards anarchy through arson," Quader said.
The Awami League general secretary also said a video footage of the incident has already been recovered and the police have it. The presence of BNP workers in the video is recognisable.
Describing the miscreants' activities, Obaidul Quader said the arsonists disguised themselves as passengers, boarded on the buses, sat in the back seats and set those on fire. Then they screamed and ran out through the door.
"This sabotage has proved that the BNP has not been able to avoid their traditional path of terrorism. Due to such terrorist character and destructive activities, the people have repeatedly rejected them," said Obaidul Quader, minister for road transport and bridges.
Mentioning that BNP is holding on to their subversive character without caring about any kind of democratic norms, rules and regulations, Obaidul Quader said, "We would like to warn them that such heinous activities will not be tolerated anymore."
Then, commenting on the Dhaka-18 and Sirajganj-1 by-elections, he said the elections were free and fair and in both constituencies Awami League candidates have won. Voter turnout was less than usual because of the Covid-19 situation, he argued.
He also talked about the development in his party and said "The Jubo League committee will be announced tomorrow (Saturday)."
Also, the process to finalise other committees at the grass-root level is underway, added Obaidul Quader.
Finally, he urged everyone to be aware and follow the health safety measures as the second the wave of Covid-19 infections might hit the country.