Minister Obaidul Quader says creating confusion about polls would be a 'own goal' for BNP

Any attempt by the BNP to create confusion about the general elections would 'again lead to the BNP falling victims to the trap of their own blunder', says Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader.

He was speaking to reporters on Thursday after a courtesy visit to Indian envoy Harsh Vardhan Shringla at his office.

Stating that the Awami League preparations have begun for the coming elections, he said 'We have two years and two months for the elections. We shall hold the polls at the scheduled time.'

Asked what his party, the Awami League thought about the re-constitution of the Election Commission, Quader said, "Things will happen in accordance with whatever is there in the Constitution."

Regarding the relationship with India, he said that there is no scope of 'doubt or lack of trust' in the relations between the neighbours and added they are hopeful about the Teesta water sharing issue.

"The prime minister is expected to visit India in December, we are hoping for a positive outcome."

On being asked what he considers a challenge in the party after being elected its general secretary, Quader responded,"To make the party more dynamic and smarter with an eye on the polls. Whatever small problems exist in the party need to be smoothed out and make an all round preparation for the election."

He said that the Indian High Commissioner had greeted him with flowers on his election as the Awami League's general secretary.

He said that he had conveyed his intentions to forge stronger party to party ties with political parties in India, including its ruling party and help strengthen the Awami League's 'connectivity'.