• Welcomes students’ move to hire lawyers
• Urges patience from the protesters

TDS Desk:

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has instructed party activists to remain vigilant to prevent any unrest across the country amid the students’ anti-quota movement and the teachers’ Prottoy scheme movement.

Terming the BNP’s move to extend its support to the ongoing movement as a conspiracy, he said: “We must stay alert and vigilant across Bangladesh and in the capital to ensure that this malicious group does not create an atmosphere of chaos by inciting and fueling the teachers and students. I am reminding everyone of that.”

He gave this directive on Tuesday during his opening speech at a joint meeting with top leaders of Dhaka Metropolitan North and South, Dhaka District Awami League, and allied organizations at the Awami League’s central office on Bangabandhu Avenue.

The Awami League leader said: “We must be cautious about one thing; this is certainly a related issue. The teachers’ movement is apolitical, and the students’ movement is also apolitical. We need to consider the political support of the BNP and their allies for these apolitical movements.”

Referring to the BNP, he said: “They cannot initiate a movement themselves. They relied on the anti-quota movement in 2018. This time too, they failed to initiate a movement and did not participate in the elections out of fear of losing. Now, if they use the quota reform movement to overthrow the government, it is a sign of their conspiracy. We must stay alert against this malicious force.”

Mentioning that the two movements of teachers and students are happening simultaneously and need to be carefully monitored, Quader, who is also the road transport and bridges minister, said: “As far as we know, the students’ movement for quota reform has no scheduled program on Tuesday. Therefore, we thank them. We have also heard that they have appointed lawyers for the ongoing court case and will appear in court at the scheduled time. This is also a reasonable decision. We thank them for that.”

He added: “Our position is very clear. In 2018, the prime minister issued a circular deciding to abolish the quota, and government activities have been conducted accordingly. In the meantime, seven children of freedom fighters filed a case regarding the quota issue. The High Court gave a verdict, and the government appealed against this verdict.”

He also mentioned that the full court hearing will take place very soon.

Commenting that the protesters want reform, not abolition of the quota, Obaidul Quader said: “When their representative lawyer represents them in court, the court will listen to them, and the government side will also be heard. We hope the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court will make a practical decision after hearing all sides. Until then, I request everyone to be patient.”

He said: “Whatever we do, we must ensure that no public suffering is caused. I urge the protesters to be cautious about this. We will not be provoked by anyone. I remind everyone to stay alert and not to get provoked.”