India‍‍‍‍‍‍`s support was crucial for election integrity: Obaidul Quader

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader emphasized the pivotal role of India in ensuring the integrity of Bangladesh‍‍‍‍`s elections.

In a statement he made at the bi-annual conference of Puja Udjapan Parishad held at Dhakeshwari temple in the capital on Saturday afternoon.

The conference was inaugurated by the Indian High Commissioner of Dhaka Prannoy Kumar Verma.

"No other country dared to interfere with the election because India was on our side," Quader remarked on that event.

Highlighting the significance of India‍‍‍‍`s stance, Quader stated, "India‍‍‍‍`s approach differed from that of other countries whose ambassadors were involved in Bangladesh‍‍‍‍`s election affairs."

He underscored the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with India, all the efforts made to dismantle mistrust between the two nations, the governments of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Narendra Modi had torn apart.

During the conference, Quader addressed issues concerning minority communities, labeling those who trouble them as miscreants. He condemned the mentality that perpetuates the subjugation of minorities, urging unity in combating such mindset.

Quader asserted, "Minority thinking is a shackle of slavery," emphasizing the need to eradicate this mindset. He condemned acts of land seizure and temple vandalism, stating that regardless of political affiliations, those responsible are adversaries.

Furthermore, Quader challenged perceptions of inferiority complex among minority groups, emphasizing the equal contribution of all religious communities to Bangladesh‍‍`s freedom struggle.

"If you suffer from inferiority complex in mind-mentality. The Muslim vote, your vote, is worth less? Is there any difference? So why think of yourself as a minority? In the freedom struggle of this country, Hindus, Buddhists and Christians all have contributed, no one is less,” Quader declared.