Politicians behind half of corruption in Bangladesh, says AL’s Obaidul Quader

It is the politicians who should be blamed for widespread corruption in Bangladesh, says Awami League leader Obaidul Quader.

If politicians refrain from corruption, the problem will be reduced by half, said Quader, the ruling party’s general secretary. “How many politicians can honestly say they are completely clean?”

Quader spoke at a discussion on Saturday on Bangabandhu’s 7th March speech, where he described Bangladesh’s founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman as a ‘brilliant example of honesty’.

The greatest achievement for a politician is the people’s appreciation, according to Quader. Bangabandhu provides an example that honesty is the key to winning love from people, he said.

Quader, who serves as a cabinet member, also advised the organisers—the party’s Information and Research Subcommittee— not to invite ministers to their events.

“Why can’t an event take place without a minister?” he said adding that the speakers’ panel at Saturday’s discussion included a lot of ‘learned people’.

Quader says, as the Awami League general secretary, he had to speak at public events ‘over and over again’ on a single day and it’s only natural that he was repeating himself.

“Without new inputs, I have to repeat old things and will be seen as frivolous.”