Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's comment that Khaleda Zia should be thrown into the river from the Padma Bridge was meant be humorous.

"The comment about throwing BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia from the Padma Bridge was a joke. She also made a comment about serving tea if the BNP came to besiege the Prime Minister's Office, which was also a joke," said Quader when asked by reporters if the Prime Minister hinted at joining a dialogue with the opposition party over tea.

"Look, this is political humour. The prime minister made the comment in response to BNP's announcement that they will lay siege to the PMO and organise a movement," said Quader after the Cabinet meeting at the Secretariat on Monday (25 July).

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina criticised BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia's past comments on the Padma Bridge in a party meeting on 18 May. 

Sheikh Hasina said, "Khaleda Zia said that Padma Bridge is being built by clapping. The spans that are being placed on the bridge, these were clapping to her. She said none could board on the bridge, and that it would break if you go over." 

The premier commented they (Khaleda Zia and her supporters) should be taken to the Padma Bridge and thrown into the river from there.

In another party meeting last Saturday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that if BNP plans to besiege the Prime Minister's Office, they will not be stopped. 

Sheikh Hasina said addressing the BNP, "We are not obstructing anyone's movement. They can march as far as they can. No objection. I will sit and have tea. If they want to talk, I will listen."