Bonikbarta Exclusive

On December 11, 2017, the former Minister of Road Transport and Bridges and General Secretary of the Awami League, Obaidul Quader, posted a picture on the social media platform X with the caption “Padma Bridge Project 10-12-017.” The image, taken in front of the “Padma-10” building, shows him holding a flower from a tree. On his left wrist, he wore a ‘Ulysse Nardin’ brand watch, priced at €22,799, equivalent to more than BDT 3 million.

Obaidul Quader was known for his keen fashion sense and preferred using high-end products. However, he had a particular fascination with luxury watches. His collection included Rolex Datejust, Cellini, and the rare Louis Vuitton Tambour Spin Time Regatta. His sunglasses collection featured brands like Ray-Ban, Boss, Pollard, and Singapore’s Octo. For suits, he mostly wore Giovanni, Marks & Spencer, and Gucci, with several pairs of Gucci shoes as well. He also had a special fondness for Panjabis and waistcoats. He procured these luxury items from abroad, and his home housed rare artworks and showpieces. Due to health issues, Quader frequently traveled abroad for medical treatment, keeping foreign currency at his residence.

On August 5, amid the uprising by students and the public, the Awami League government was ousted. That afternoon, a large crowd stormed the Ganabhaban and the Parliament Building, looting various important items. Many also raided the residence of the former Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, Obaidul Quader, taking all his fashion accessories, cash, and valuable items.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, one of Quader’s personal assistants told Bonik Barta, “Everyone knew about Sir’s watch collection. He favored high-end sunglasses, suits, and shoes. For instance, Ray-Ban, Boss, Pollard, and Singapore’s Octo were his favorite sunglasses. As for suits, he wore brands like Giovanni, Marks & Spencer, and Gucci. He also used several pairs of Gucci shoes.”

One day before the fall of the Awami League government, Obaidul Quader went into hiding. On August 4, the party held a press conference, but he was absent. The last time Quader was seen was on August 3, during a press conference at the party president Sheikh Hasina’s political office. There are rumors that he fled to India. On August 27, Obaidul Quader’s bank accounts were frozen.

A senior leader of the Awami League Central Working Committee told Bonik Barta, “Quader had a deep interest in clothing and personal grooming, more than in wealth or property. He had a special attraction to watches and suits, collecting pieces from top global brands. His passion for luxury items was an open secret within the party. He never hid it, and many who liked him often gifted these items to him.”

An analysis of the affidavits submitted by Quader in the 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th national elections revealed that in 2008, his movable assets amounted to BDT 2,448,095. His wife, Isratunnesa Quader, had BDT 4,881,522 in movable assets. By 2023, Quader’s movable assets had grown to BDT 32,284,898 and his wife’s to BDT 12,842,464.

In the affidavit for the 9th National Parliament election, Quader stated that his profession was writer and journalist, earning BDT 140,000 annually from writing. His lawyer wife earned BDT 150,000 annually. In the affidavit for the 12th Parliament election, Quader declared an annual income of BDT 3,807,508, including BDT 1,424,924 from house rent, BDT 697,284 from shares and savings, and BDT 1,260,000 from his salary as an MP and minister. He also earned BDT 425,300 from book royalties, while his dependent family members earned BDT 1,223,512.

In 2020, a Sweden-based investigative website published a report on the luxury watches used by the Awami League’s top leader, Obaidul Quader, sparking widespread debate. On January 14, 2020, during a press briefing at the Secretariat, a journalist asked Quader, “You’re known for your stylish appearance and use of expensive watches. However, these don’t match the information in your election affidavit or your annual income.” Quader interrupted the journalist, saying, “None of my watches were bought with my own money. For God’s sake, I didn’t buy them. I get them as gifts. Perhaps many people love me; some workers abroad bring them as gifts. What can I do?”

After Sheikh Hasina was detained during the 1/11 regime, Quader later used her residence as his official home after assuming power. On August 5, following the spread of news of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina leaving the country, a large crowd stormed the Ganabhaban and the Parliament premises. Quader’s residence in the Parliament area was also attacked. Furniture, valuable paintings, personal belongings, and various family items were looted. The exact value of the looted items remains unknown.

When asked, a leader of the Awami League’s Central Sub-Committee said, “I used to visit Quader Bhai’s residence regularly for party work. Most of the items there were government property. However, Obaidul Quader had a personal collection of rare showpieces and paintings. I can’t say what their condition is after August 5.”