Quader: Not possible to share more than seven seats

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today (Dec 15) said it is not possible for the ruling party to share more than seven seats with its alliance partners.

"We informed them yesterday that we can sacrifice 'boat' [AL's electoral symbol] in seven constituencies. We have to convince other partners of the alliance. But it is not possible for us to go beyond that," he said.

Speaking about the alliance partner's demand to withdraw "AL's independent" candidates, Obaidul Quader said, "Elections will be competitive ... If the independents win, we will not forcibly take away anyone's victory."

The AL General Secretary said, "We cannot guarantee victory to anyone. I am the general secretary of Awami League and I have no guarantee of winning. Four contenders are contesting against me. If anyone wins here, I have to accept the defeat."

The 14-party alliance Coordinator Amir Hossain Amu announced that seven seats will be shared with three of AL's allies.

Soon after the announcement, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal chief Hasanul Haq Inu in a video message last night said his party did not agree to the AL's decision on seat-sharing.

Hasanul Haq Inu requested the ruling party to reconsider its decision and withdraw the "AL independents" from the seats to be shared with the alliance partners.