Had nothing to do with Carlile’s bar: Quader

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said today that Bangladesh had no hand in India's denial to Alexander Carlile, a legal adviser for Khaleda Zia.

It is a completely internal issue of India, Quader told reporters in Chandra area of Gazipur while inspecting the road condition there this noon, reports Bangla daily Prothom Alo.

He was referring to India denying entry to British lawmaker Carlile on Wednesday night. He was supposed to be briefing reporters about Khaleda Zia there.

India refused entry to Alexander Carlile on the grounds that he did not have a “valid and appropriate visa” and he wanted to create a “problem” between New Delhi and Dhaka.

Carlile later addressed the media through videoconferencing from London for about half an hour and accused India of giving in to the pressure of Bangladesh government.

During his Gazipur inspection, Quader, also ruling Awami League’s general secretary, said that the Election Commission is working independently to hold the upcoming three city corporation elections in a free and fair manner.

Besides, Quader assured that road and traffic conditions during the Eid-ul-Azha will be relaxing.