Dhaka: Mentioning that Awami League does not believe in extrajudicial killings, its General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Thursday said deaths of drug traders in gunfights with law enforcers cannot be called extrajudicial killings.

‘When law enforcement agencies go to arrest drug dealers, they open fire on them which lead to gunfights. This encounter can’t be called extrajudicial killing,’ he said.

The minister was talking to reporters after attending a programme at Manik Mia Avenueto create awareness about traffic rules, reports the UNB.

He dismissed BNP’s claim that the government is spreading panic through the gunfights ahead of the national election.

Posing a question, Quader, also Road Transport and Bridges Minister, said whereas country’s people are hailing the anti-narcotics drive launched at the directives of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, why BNP is speaking against it. ‘They’re doing so as their men are involved in drug business.’

About MP Abdur Rahman Bodi, he said not only Bodi, but also all listed drug peddlers will be brought to book, no matter how powerful they are. ‘An MP can’t be arrested right away. We have to prove the allegation against him.’