DB Chief Suggests External Influence in Quota Reform Protests

Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s Detective Branch (DB) chief Additional Commissioner Mohammad Harunor Rashid has indicated that the protesting students might be influenced by external forces. He mentioned that efforts are underway to divert the incident in another direction. The DB chief made these remarks in response to journalists' questions at his office on Minto Road on Saturday afternoon.

"Quota systems exist not only in Bangladesh but in many countries. Some individuals and students have been protesting against the quota system on the streets," he stated.

He highlighted that the Supreme Court's Appellate Division has issued a one-month status quo on the High Court's decision regarding the quota system in government jobs. "The Supreme Court is the ultimate place of trust for everyone. Everyone should abide by the court's directives," he added.

"For the past few days, students have been obstructing public movement by blocking various roads instead of attending classes. They have even vandalized cars in several places, and a case has been filed," Harunor Rashid pointed out.

He emphasized that if anyone thinks they will not follow the court or the police, law enforcement agencies will take necessary actions. "If the protesters cause harm to people and property, block roads, and disrupt normal public movement, the law enforcement agencies will take appropriate measures," he warned.

When questioned about potential instigators behind the protests, Harun responded: "DB teams and police are working to determine if there are any infiltrators in the movement or if attempts are being made to divert the issue."

He further stated, "If someone disregards the High Court's directives and blocks roads in the name of protests, attacking cars and throwing stones, we can assume that infiltrators are behind these actions."