Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, who was once a journalist, has expressed a desire to return to his old profession after the end of his current job as a minister.
The road transport and bridges minister expressed the desire on Saturday at an event of Dhaka South Jubo League to mark the birthday of Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, report bdnews24.com and UNB.
Venting his annoyance with the questions from reporters, Quader said, “You are detracting from such a beautiful programme today just to write a political headline for your newspaper. Why don't focus on what's relevant?”
"You are a journalist. I’m your senior. When I leave the ministry, I will be back in journalism,” he said.
Quader became actively involved in politics during his student years while working as a journalist. He had served as the assistant editor of the ‘Banglar Bani’ newspaper in the 1980s.
Quader, who had also served as the minister for youth, sports and culture in Awami League's 1996-2001 term in government, has been at the helm of the road transport and bridges ministry for nearly a decade.
When asked about the allegation of BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir that the council of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) was postponed due to government interference, he said,” The council has been suspended due to case filed by some JCD leaders. The government or Awami League is not responsible for it.”
Talking about graft, Quader said the government has taken a strong stance against the corrupt in the party.
During Awami League government, he said, its ministers have been appearing before the Anti-Corruption Commission, many leaders and activists are serving jail term due to the strong stance of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina against corruption.
Jubo League chairman Omar Faruk Chowdhury declared a month-long programme marking the birth anniversary of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Dhaka South Jubo League celebrated Day of People’s Empowerment on September 9 while North Jubo League on September 11, marking the birth anniversary of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The day will be celebrated on September 16 and 17 in Dhaka and Gazipur districts. Besides, the day will be celebrated across the country on September 28.
Awami League Joint General Secretary Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Economic Samity President Prof Abul Barkat, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, Jubo League Formar General Secretary Mirza Azam, Jubo League General Secretary Harun-ur-Rashid and Publicity Secretary Iqbal Mahmud Bablu were present at the event held with Dhaka South Jubo League President Ismail Chowdhury Samrat in the chair.