Quader blames BNP, allies for RMG unrest

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has blamed the BNP and its allies for the recent protests by workers of readymade garment factories, urging the demonstrators not to be misled by their incitement and rumours. 

Quader, also the road transport and bridges minister, was speaking at a joint meeting at the Awami League's central office on Bangabandhu Avenue on Friday morning. The meeting was between the party’s secretaries and presidents and general secretaries of its Dhaka North and South units and all affiliated organizations.

Quader said: “Most of the demands of the workers have been met. The workers will come forward to resolve the rest of the issues. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is monitoring the situation.”

He urged the protesting workers to return to work, saying: “We hope the workers will not bring harm to themselves. If they are misled, they will cause harm to themselves and the country; rumour-mongers will not face any harm.”

“The BNP is carrying out attacks under the pretext of the opposition’s movement. It has to be prevented to maintain an environment conducive to holding the election. We must remember that we are fighting against the hostile currents of dissent. Today there are various anti-government conspiracies and activities both at home and abroad.”

Saying the BNP's rally on October 28 was a failure, the Awami League general secretary added that the party has now started carrying out arson attacks in an attempt to oust Sheikh Hasina from power.