Dhaka: Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Sunday said the convicted people should not contest the upcoming national election on moral grounds.

‘It’s better for the convicted persons to stay away from the election on moral grounds. Awami League doesn’t support it morally,’ he said while addressing a press briefing at party chief’s Dhanmondi political office, reports the UNB.

The Appellate Division on Sunday stayed a High Court order that had allowed a convicted person to take part in the national election, blocking the way for those sentenced to over two years’ imprisonment to join the upcoming parliamentary elections billed for December 30.

Following the apex court’s verdict, many BNP leaders, including its chairperson Khaleda Zia, cannot participate in the election as they were convicted in various cases.

Describing Jatiya Oikyafront’s ‘failure’ to announce its Prime Minister candidate before the election as its primary defeat, Quader said, ‘Although there’re many leaders in the platform, there’s no one who can take the responsibility of the prime minister.’

He said BNP’s announcement to launch a movement just before 25 days of the election is nothing but a nightmare. ‘People are now in an election mood, they’re not in a movement mood,’ he said, alleging that BNP is trying in many ways to destabilise the situation.

The ruling party leader also claimed that Awami League depends on people’s strength while BNP on rumour. ‘As BNP has less confidence in people, they depend on rumour.’

‘The difference between a communal party and non-communal one is now clearer than in the past. The people of Bangladesh will choose the right one for their betterment. We don’t believe that people will vote for the party which patronises communalism and militancy in the name of politics,’ he said.

Quader also warned that those will remain in the election race going against the party decision will be expelled from the party for life.