Dhaka: Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Thursday described Jatiya Oikyafront’s public hearing over the December-30 general election as a ‘mass mockery’.

He made the remarks while addressing a press briefing at Awami League President Sheikh Hasina’s Dhanmondi political office in the city, reports the UNB.

Jatiya Oikyafront wants to depict the ‘real scenario of vote robbery’ in the 11th parliamentary election before the country’s people and international community through a public hearing on February 24 with Dr Kamal Hossain playing the role of its judge.

Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD) president ASM Abdur Rob came up with the information while talking to reporters after a meeting of Oikyafront steering committee at Dr Kamal Hossain’s Motijheel chamber on Wednesday.

About cases filed with the election tribunal, Quader said, ‘We’ve earlier said when a political party fails to wage any movement and loses an election, it has no option but to lodge cases and complaints. The aim of these activities is to boost the demoralised party men.’

He also said they will face the cases lodged by the BNP-led alliance legally.

Replying to a query about changes in the party’s nomination for the upazila parishad elections, the Awami League leader said the changes were made in a few places following suggestions of the grassroots leaders.

He also said the national council of the party will be arranged in due time. ‘Generally, the council is held on October 23. We’re planning to hold it in October. I discussed the matter with the party president,’ he said.

Mentioning that the release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia is a legal matter, Quader, also Road Transport and Bridges Minister, said, ‘BNP can free their party chief either through a legal fight or a mass movement.’

About the 9th wage board for journalists, he said they will accelerate the process of placing the recommendations in the shortest possible time.

The minister also hinted that the government has a plan to include the electronic journalists under the wage board.