Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Friday urged the country's young generation to come forward to resisting all evil forces, reports BSS.

He made the call while inaugurating a colourful cycle rally, marking the 75th founding anniversary of the AL, and the "Cycling for Health" campaign.

Quader, the road transport and bridges minister, formally inaugurated the rally and campaign. Speaking on the occasion, he said India is a tested friend of Bangladesh.

Claiming that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina does everything for the greater interest of the country, he said the premier does not get involved in friendship with any country ignoring the country's interest.

The AL general secretary said the AL has no master abroad but BNP has its mater.

"We have friends abroad. India is our tested friend of 1971. You (BNP leaders) do not hold the spirit of the independence in hearts. So, you do not bear the spirit of the 1971 too," he added.

Calling upon the young generation to join the AL, Quader said the Awami League is such an organisation which led the independence struggle of the country.

All the achievements and development were taken place in the country under the AL's leadership, while the struggle for economic emancipation continues under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said.

"We will fulfill the promise of employment for youth that we made in our election manifesto. The Awami League will bring the youth of the country to the path of light," the road transport minister said.

The cycle rally started from the avenue with participation of around 1,500 cyclists and ended at Dhanmondi 32 after parading several streets.

Later, they paid tribute at the mausoleum of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman there.

At the inaugural event, DNCC mayor Atiqul Islam said there was no alternative to cycling for a healthy body.

He hoped to make separate lanes for cycling under the DNCC area and continuing the rally in the future.

Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan