DHAKA, Jan 29, 2020 (BSS)- Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul
Quader today said the construction work of Padma bridge will not be affected
due to coronavirus as precautionary measures have been taken about Chinese
nationals working under the mega bridge.
“Chinese workers especially those who returned to Bangladesh from
coronavirus-stricken China since January 18 are kept out of work before a 14-
day period is over,” Quader told journalists during a press briefing at his
secretariat office here. He said around 1,000 workers have been working under
the project and of them, 150 usually go on shifting leave at a time. So, it
will not hamper the construction work of Padma Bridge, he added.
About the DSCC and DNCC elections, the Awami League general secretary said
the overall environment of the elections is good till now. But one matter is
worrying that is organizing outsiders, including armed-goons, ahead of the
elections, he said, adding that there is information that armed terrorists
can hamper overall environment during voting in the name of guarding the
polling booths.
The Election Commission (EC) should take additional cautionary measures to
maintain peaceful atmosphere, he added.
“We’ve information that BNP is organizing outsiders, including notorious
criminals, in Dhaka from different parts of the country that can hamper the
peaceful elections. For this reason, we have requested the Election
Commission to bring the situation under its vigilance,” he said.
Replying to a question, Obaidul Quader said law enforcement forces are now
under the jurisdiction of the Election Commission and the law enforcers will
work as per orders of the EC.
He said Awami League (AL) expects peaceful and fair elections. People want to exercise
their right of franchise and AL wants the people to cast their vote in favour
of their candidates. Though the EC is mainly responsible to maintain peaceful
election environment, political parties that are participating in the
elections must play due role in this regard, he added.
As a ruling party, AL is playing a constructive role in maintaining
peaceful election atmosphere, said the AL general secretary.