Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has criticized the ongoing quota reform protests, saying the demonstrators are “illegally making a show of force against the country’s apex court” instead of pursuing legal avenues.
Addressing a press conference at the party's political office in Dhanmondi on Thursday, Quader, also road transport and bridges minister, said malevolent forces were trying to create unrest and disrupt economic activities by exploiting students' emotions.
He emphasized the need to end politics of coercion and avoid creating public suffering.
Urging everyone to show respect to the top court, Quader said while the Supreme Court continued the judicial process on the quota issue after hearing all parties involved, obstructing public movement and vehicular traffic on the pretext of protests was illegal.
Dhaka police to take action against road blockadesAdditionally, the “arrogance and misconduct” of some protesters as seen on social and mainstream had caused adverse reactions among people, the minister added.
“Everyone must remember that such actions are not beneficial for the state or the people. We must all respect the vital institutions of the state and stop the politics of force. We must avoid politics that create public suffering.”
The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered a month-long status quo on the issue of quotas in government jobs.
Soon after, the protesters announced their intention to remain on the streets until their quota-reform demand was met and were set to resume their demonstrations on Thursday afternoon.
