Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader yesterday said no political party other than Awami League practices democracy inside the party though it is needed to give democracy an institutional shape in the country.

He said this while talking to reporters after paying tributes to Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy by placing a wreath at his grave at the memorial of three national leaders near Doyel Chattar in the capital, on the occasion of his 57th death anniversary.

Quader, also road transport and bridges minister, said Suhrawardy had struggled for democracy until his death and wanted to give an institutional shape to it. But democracy could not get an institutional shape due to evil efforts of a vested quarter, he added.

"On this death anniversary of Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy, it will be our pledge to give an institutional shape to democracy," he said.

Pointing to BNP, the minister said a quarter always talks about democracy but their behaviour never reveals that they believe in it.

"Though they talk about democracy, actually they are enemy of democracy. It can't be expected from those who don't practice democracy within their party, will establish democracy in the country," he said.

About the criticism over the sculpture of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, he said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is handling the matter.

"We are in power. It will not be wise to show impatience abruptly over any issue. The prime minister is handling the matter. She will face everything with courage, just like she tackled coronavirus pandemic," he added.

Quader said there are sculptures in many countries and even in Muslim countries as well. If establishing sculptures is not conflicting with Islam in those countries, why it will be in Bangladesh, he questioned.

Earlier, party leaders and workers led by the general secretary also paid tributes to Suhrawardy by placing wreaths at his grave.