Election not on advice of external power: Quader

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday reiterated that the next general elections would be held in line with the provisions of the country's constitution, not on the advice of any external power.

Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, was speaking at a discussion at ISKCON Swamibag Ashram on the occasion of Sri Sri Jagannathdev's Rath Yatra festival.

The AL general secretary said their party is not going to the elections considering anyone's visa policy or sanctions as it always gives priority to the country's constitution and its people.

Terming India a time-tested friend, he said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to the United States and it has no relations with the politics of Bangladesh.

"There are many issues in today's world like war, inflation and energy crisis. We have not discussed with India whether there will be any talk about Bangladesh there," he added.

Quader said the US visa policy is going to be implemented to make elections free and fair in Bangladesh and whether the Indian premier has anything to do, as a democratic country, is up to him from his point of view.

After the discussion, a colorful procession was brought out on the occasion. Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Pranay Kumar Verma inaugurated the Rath Yatra.