Quader: PM ordered to avoid any conflicts with students

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has said that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ordered everyone to avoid any conflicts with protesting students.

He said this during a press briefing at the party president's office in Dhanmondi this afternoon.

The Awami League leader said: “A malicious group is trying to exploit the situation to drive the country to the brink of disaster. We cannot allow these sinister forces to succeed. We urge students to act responsibly.

“Bangladesh will advance through collective efforts, not by excluding anyone. The prime minister has already expressed his desire to meet with the protesters and hear their concerns, as he seeks to avoid conflict,” he added.

Quader also announced that the party will hold gatherings in every ward of Dhaka city as well as in districts and metropolitan areas across Bangladesh on Sunday.

The Awami League leader said that the Awami League will organize a mourning procession starting from the Institute of Engineers Bangladesh on August 5, culminating at the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum in Dhanmondi 32.

Addressing recent violence, Quader said: “Children are not political pawns. Killing innocent children and spilling their blood brings no benefit to the ruling party.

“I call on Unicef to provide the names and addresses of the 32 children. Once we have this information, we will take action and uncover the truth,” he added.

He said: “We believe in unity, not division. We seek a collective effort from all who believe in the country's independence, sovereignty, democracy, and progress. We call on all supporters of democracy and the liberation war to unite against those who attempt to disrupt our democracy, development, and achievements by taking students hostage.”

Quader condemned attempts by BNP-Jamaat to overthrow the democratically elected government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

He said: “The government, elected by the people, has restored their right to vote and sustenance. The communal forces of BNP-Jamaat, repeatedly rejected and failed by the people, are attempting to frame any movement as anti-government.

“They are now conspiring to overthrow the government using the quota movement. The Sheikh Hasina government is addressing the situation with patience and restraint,” he added.

He criticized the BNP-Jamaat alliance for engaging in what he described as “politics of corpses,” citing their attempts to incite violence and confusion.

Quader said: “Yesterday, two fresh lives were lost. Across the country, attacks, vandalism, and arson have created chaos. I ask Mirza Fakhrul, who is responsible for the brutal killing of a police officer? Who set fire to and vandalized the Awami League office in Habiganj?

“We firmly believe that ordinary students are not involved in these violent movements. The prime minister has agreed to the students’ quota demands and a judicial investigation commission has been formed to probe each killing. The commission has already begun its work,” he added.