Abdur Razzaque calls TV interview remarks on BNP personal

Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzak.

Dhaka, Dec 18 – Awami League (AL) Presidium Member and Agriculture Minister Dr Abdur Razzaque today clarified the remark he made during an interview with a private television channel regarding BNP leaders’ participation in the upcoming election as a “condition” for their release from jail. 

“The Election Commission has repeatedly mentioned the possibility of deferring the election date if BNP agrees to participate. If BNP decided to join the polls, will it happen with him in jail? There would have been negotiations. After the formalities, they would have been released through the legal process. There are many legal experts in the Election Commission,” he said while speaking to reporters in his office at the Secretariat today.

“If BNP agrees, the election date can be deferred to create a conducive environment. That is what I meant,” he said.

He also said that a lot can be achieved through dialogue for an acceptable election.

“Bangabandhu, who was supposed to be hanged in the Agartala conspiracy case — where did that case go? He secured bail in just one day. There must have been discussions and formalities for that to happen,” he said.

In an interview given to Channel 24, Razzaque said that BNP leaders and activists have been “kept in jail” to prevent violence in the country.

“BNP turned down an opportunity to take part in the upcoming election,” he said.

Earlier, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader said that Razzaque's remarks are “personal,” and do not reflect the party’s position.

Regarding this, Razzaque said, “Certainly, it was my personal remark. My party also wants all parties to participate in the election.”

“Economy and politics go hand in hand all over the world. You have to accept it. Just talking about law won't change that reality... I can give thousands of examples,” he said.-  UNB