Gazipur, Sept. 10 -- Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Friday welcomed BNP for its decision to take part in the Ranpur by-election saying it is a very positive move in politics.

"Hope, this election will be a competitive one, and the government will provide all necessary support so that it can be held in a free and fair manner," he said.

Quader, also Awami League general secretary, came up with the remarks while talking to reporters after visiting a project inTongi upazila here on Tuesday morning.

The by-election to the Rangpur-3 seat, which fell vacant following the death of Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad, will be held on October 5.

On September 6, five people, including two women, collected nomination forms of B...