The ruling Awami League has decided to take a hardline approach against anti-quota movement protesters from occupying the streets, deeming that the protest has turned into an anti-government effort backed by the BNP-Jamaat and other opposition parties.
Awami League top brass leaders instructed party members and activists nationwide to stage counter-protests to prevent the protesters from blocking roads, railways, and educational institutions.
This decision was made during a meeting at the Awami League’s Dhanmondi office on Tuesday afternoon, following clashes between anti-quota protesters and Chhatra League activists at several educational institutions, including Dhaka University, which left hundreds injured.
According to insiders, the ruling party initially took the anti-quota movement lightly, as they also supported rational quota reform.
However, when protesters disrespected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's speech and chanted slogans against the Awami League, the party decided to take a hard stance.
"From now on, protesters will face challenges everywhere across the country," said a top leader who attended the meeting.
Speaking to the Dhaka Tribune, Sheikh Bazlur Rahman, president of Dhaka North City Awami League, said: "Our leaders and activists are positioned in Farmgate, Gulshan, Tejgaon, Mohakhali, Mohammadpur, and other key areas to prevent public suffering caused by the movement."
He added that Awami League members will maintain vigilant positions at the grassroot level to counteract forces that disrespect freedom fighters.
Leaders from the Dhaka South Unit of the Awami League echoed these guidelines, stating that they have taken positions in Motijheel, Arambag, Victoria Park, Dhanmondi, Jatrabari, Dania, and other locations within Dhaka South City Corporation.
Observations by Dhaka Tribune reporters confirmed that ruling party activists, equipped with sticks, pipes, and helmets, were present in several parts of Dhaka.
On the other hand, the protesters also took positions in several points of Dhaka and they cut down the rail connection from Dhaka to some other parts of the country by blocking the Mohakhali rail line.
Following the close-door meeting, General Secretary Obaidul Quader addressed the media, labeling the anti-quota movement as an anti-government effort led by BNP-Jamaat and BNP leader Tarique Rahman.
"This movement challenges the spirit of our liberation war. We will oppose and defeat them," Quader said.
He urged pro-liberation forces to confront those obstructing the streets under the guise of the anti-quota movement. "Our patience should not be mistaken for weakness; appropriate action will be taken in due course."
The meeting was chaired by Obaidul Quader and attended by senior leaders such as Presidium Member Dr Abdur Razzaque, Jahangir Kabir Nanak, Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, AFM Bahauddin Nasim, and leaders from Awami League associate bodies.
