Dhaka: Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quaderon Tuesdaysaid women and young voters will be the main focus of Awami League in the next national election.

‘Awami League’s main focus will be on women and first-time young voters,’ he said asking the party leaders to prepare for the upcoming polls.

The minister, also the general secretary of the ruling Awami League, came up with the remarks while addressing a discussion organised by Dhaka South City Corporation-DSCC marking the 11thdeath anniversary of Mohammad Hanif, the first elected mayor of Dhaka City Corporation (DCC).

Minister Quader urged the party leaders to get united ahead of the election and solve internal problems.

He said Awami League will win the next election if it can associate its development and attainment under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina government with good behaviour.

Pointing finger at BNP, the minister said, ‘I’m not undermining BNP’s strength. All anti-AL and communal forces have reunited under the auspices of BNP.’

BNP may not be organised in an organised way but there is no reason to think that they are weak in support, he added.

Recalling Mayor Hanif, the minister said Hanif’s political ideology was to love the people of the country and that is why he is so popular even after his demise.

‘During the grenade attack on AL anti-terrorism rally in 2004, Hanif made a human shield to save Sheikh Hasina without thinking about his own life.

Sheikh Hasina has sent the word ‘mass rising’ in the museum through her work of development for the country, Quader said, adding that people are very happy with the Prime Minister.

On Khaleda, he said Sheikh Hasina is the third honest leader among the leaders of 173 countries while Khaleda is the third corrupt leader in 173 countries.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Sayeed Khokon presided over the discussion.