Claiming that Chhatra Dal and Chhatra Shibir were leading the ongoing quota reform movement, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on Wednesday directed party members to be ready in every ward across the country as “we are under attack, facing threats.”
“Why would general students take to the streets with weapons and engage in violence? Clearly, the leadership of this movement has fallen into the hands of malevolent forces,” Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, said while speaking in a meeting at the party’s Dhaka district office in Tejgaon, Dhaka.
“We must confront this situation. Therefore, prepare in every ward.”
Referring to statements by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Quader said Fakhrul had boasted that the protesting students had achieved what BNP could not.
“This indicates that their aim was not quota reform but to overthrow the elected government. They are so desperate for power that they are using children in their marches.”
The minister also referred to an audio clip of a BNP leader allegedly instructing Chhatra Dal men to incite violence, saying it proved the BNP-Jamaat coalition was exploiting the emotions of general students to stoke violence.
Quader noted the government's stance on being sympathetic to the demands of the students, saying Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina considered all legitimate demands.
“We urge the protesters to stay within the confines of the law and await the court’s decision. Show patience and avoid falling into any traps. We expect responsible behaviour from the younger generation.”
