CT Online Desk:

Awami League (AL) general secretary and road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader today said the government is capable and courageous to overcome any sorts of conspiracy or pressure.

"There are foreign and local pressures. We have enough capacity and courage to overcome such pressures. Implementation of mega projects, including the Padma Bridge and metro-rail, are big examples of that," he said.

Quader came up with the remarks while exchanging views with journalists at Bangladesh Secretariat here on the first day at office after getting the charge of the road transport and bridges ministry for the fourth term.
 
"People are the source of our strength. We have very deep relations with this soil and people. The party which enjoys the confidence of people that never bows down to any pressure," he said.

Noting that there are challenges in the fields of politics and economy in the days to come, the minister said many people predicted that AL would not be able to hold polls this time but with the participation of the people, the 12th parliamentary polls were held in a peaceful manner.

He said there is conspiracy too to make harm to the country's economy. "We have courage to overcome it," he said.

Asked about the BNP and like-minded parties' demand of re-election, he said these are baseless demands.

He said every party must have to make democratic practice to go to power.

"The country is of all. People are the owner of the all resources and properties of this country. Those who are in opposition are also part of this," he said.
 
He hoped they would be able to translate their dream of Vision 2041 into reality with the support of people.

Noting the sufficiency of food items and fruits up to rural markets, the minister said they would put mush emphasis on controlling prices of essentials to ease the sufferings of the low-income group.

He said bringing discipline on streets will be a big challenge ahead as he admitted that it is yet to be done fully.

"We have adopted a plan with the funding of the World Bank. Once the plan is implemented, hopefully road safety will be ensured successfully," he said.

DCT/OL/AH/END