Education minister questions possible conspiracy behind anti-quota protests

Education Minister Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury has raised concerns about the nature of nationwide anti-quota protests, questioning whether there might be a deeper conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the country, given that these actions occurred despite ongoing judicial proceedings. 

Speaking at an event awarding scholarships to meritorious students at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Sunday, the minister noted that the quota issue was pending in the Supreme Court, adding that the students were taking to the streets before it could be resolved. 

When asked about the solution to the ongoing movement, Mohibul said the government did not impose any restrictions on anyone involved in these protests. "People certainly have freedom of speech, but we must respect the rule of law," he emphasized.

"Any citizen of Bangladesh has the right to stand on the street and express their opinions. However, it is not appropriate for me to make any disparaging statements about the court's verdict from my position of responsibility."

He also mentioned that conspirators wanted to create an unstable situation. "We must avoid falling into that trap. The matter is pending in the courts, and after the court's decision, the executive branch must have the flexibility to implement it. We must wait for that," he said.

Noting that there was ample opportunity to practice rights in the country, the minister said many people were spreading misinformation about the quota movement both inside and outside the country. 

“Students are protesting, and it is their freedom of speech."

Source: UNB