Senior Awami League leader Obaidul Quader has said that there is no contention in 14-party alliance over dropping ally members from the Cabinet.

“There was no such condition of handing out ministries when the alliance was formed,” said the ruling party general secretary.

Terming the 14-party as a friend in need, Quader said, “They were with us in the past and the misunderstanding, if there is any, will be resolved.”

The Road Transport Minister’s comment came on Tuesday (Jan 8) after the new Cabinet-led by prime minister Sheikh Hasina paid respect to Banglabandu at his portrait in Dhanmondi-32.

In her Cabinet for the straight third term, Awami League chief Sheikh Hasina has broken the tradition of including representatives from allies in her administration. She has chosen to begin her fourth term with a party-exclusive cabinet, which was sworn in on Monday (Jan7).

Following an astounding landslide victory in the 11th parliamentary polls held on Dec 30, Hasina dropped 34 members from her previous administration making way for 27 new faces.

Her 46-strong Cabinet features 24 ministers, 19 minister of states and three deputy ministers.