Every killing during unrest to be judicially investigated, says Quader

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said every killing related to the violence surrounding the quota reform movement will undergo judicial investigation and trial.

“Legal action will be taken against those who perpetrated the violence,” Quader, also road transport and bridges minister, said at a press conference at the political office of the Awami League president in Dhanmondi on Friday.

Regarding the demands of the students involved in the movement, Quader said: "All the demands of the students have been accepted, and a notification has been issued. We have always supported the demands of the students."

"The government has been blamed for the killing of students under the guise of the movement. Thousands of our leaders, activists, and police officers were attacked. Unprecedented violence was carried out. Their intention was to overthrow Sheikh Hasina's government," he added.

The Awami League leader said those who betrayed in 1971 and committed murders are still traitors. "The murderers of '71, the killers of '75, the assassins of August 21 are the same perpetrators even in 2024. They are the BNP and Jamaat."

Quader said that the BNP, Jamaat and their allies are entirely responsible for the recent violence and murders in the country, adding that to escape this responsibility, they are seeking an international investigation. "Mirza Fakhrul's true intentions are becoming apparent."

He said they do not trust the country or its people. "Now that their terrorist character has been exposed, they are seeking foreign intervention to escape responsibility," he added.

The minister continued: “The destructive actions carried out domestically and internationally under the guise of the movement will not be tolerated by the people. The situation in the country will return to normal soon."

He went on to say that those who are still calling for the movement's continuation intend to destroy the country and its economy and to gain power through the back door.

Quader mentioned that the BNP, Jamaat, radical leftist groups, and domestic and foreign conspirators are still active. "Armed cadres of BNP-Jamaat might attempt to launch attacks again."

He appealed to the people to report any attackers to law enforcement agencies.