The Awami League cannot be ousted from power forcibly, said its General Secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday.

“It is the BNP government that was ousted by the Janatar Mancha,” said Quader while addressing a memorial meeting organised in front of Nagar Bhaban marking the 11th death anniversary of Mohammad Hanif, the first elected mayor of Dhaka City Corporation.

He made the comment a few days after BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at a programme had said the government will be forced out of power.

Quader, also road transport and bridges minister, said people did not “respond to BNP's movement” in the last eight years. Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) organised the meeting participated by hundreds of activists of Awami League and its front organisations as well as city corporation officials.

Quader also inaugurated the fortnightly door-to-door free primary health care service for the people in DSCC areas. If residents needing assistance call 09611000999, doctors would appear at their doorsteps and provide primary health care services.

DSCC Mayor Sayeed Khokon chaired the meeting.