Chattogram: Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Saturday said BNP is facing a major challenge after its failure in launching a movement.

Quader came up with the remark after attending a meeting of Chattogram city Awami League as the chief guest, reports the UNB.

About BNP leaders’ claim that it will not participate in the upcoming general election keeping their chairperson Khaleda Zia in jail, he said: ‘What will happen if BNP doesn’t participate in the polls? Will democracy collapse?’

Quader, also Transport and Bridges Minister, said there will be no change in the constitution and the election will be held in due time even if BNP does not join it.

Turning to Tarique Rahman, he alleged, ‘Tarique had tried to create chaos using the quota reform movement staying in London but the issue has been solved. Now, they’ve entered the hill districts and instigating bloodshed there.’

About neighbouring India, the minister said, ‘India has always been beside Bangladesh, even during the Liberation War in 1971, and it will be there with us always. We’ve also sought their help for the repatriation of Rohingya refugees.’

Chaired by acting president of AL Chattogram unit Mahtab Uddin Chowdhury, the meeting was attended, among others, by city unit general secretary and city corporation mayor AZM Nasir Uddin, vice president and Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Nurul Islam BSc.