CT News Online:

Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader today said their party is not worried about any sanction.

"As per the country's constitution, we are going to hold a free, fair and peaceful election under the Election Commission (EC). Why will the sanction be imposed here? The AL is not worried about any sanction," he told a press conference at AL President's Dhanmondi political office here.

Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, said if the United States (US) wants to impose sanctions, then it should be imposed on BNP and its allies as they have already been qualified to get sanctions.

"The sanction will actually come against BNP. BNP is the main obstacle to the path of elections. Why is not the sanction being imposed on them?" he questioned.

Claiming that BNP is trying to use the garment workers in their own interest, the AL general secretary said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has increased the salary of the garments workers for the sake of the garment sector.

The incumbent government is sincere about the interest of the garment workers and if the AL government comes to power again, it will take steps to pass a new labour law in parliament, he said.

 "So, there is no need to muddle the water over this," he added.

About seat sharing with the AL's allies, Quader said the problem will be resolved before December 17 next.

Hoping that the voter turnout would be good on the election day, he said no obstacles, threats, vandalism and arson terrorism would be able to hinder the electoral process.

Voters will resist those who would come to obstruct the elections, the AL general secretary said, adding BNP and its allies are not participating in the elections but there is no lack of enthusiasm about the elections.

"The country's people are spontaneously preparing to vote," he said.

AL presidium member Jahangir Kabir Nanak, joint general secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, organising secretaries BM Mozammel Haque and Sujit Roy Nandi and office secretary Barrister Biplab Barua were, among others, present at the press conference.