Obaidul
Quader, the Road Transport and Bridges Minister, has urged protesting students
to immediately return to their respective institutions. This follows the
court's directive to halt all activities, creating disruptions related to
quotas.
He
said that if any group intends to create an anarchic situation in the country
by exploiting students' emotions, the government must take necessary legal
measures.
On
Thursday (July 11), a press conference held
at the Awami League's office in Dhanmondi, Dhaka, regarding the
government's stance on quotas.
"The
BNP wants to transform the quota protests into an anti-government movement. AL
will not allow their wish to be fulfilled. If anyone wishes to destabilize the
country by exploiting the quota movement for political gain, they will confront
it politically."
Road
Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader mentioned that certain malicious
elements are attempting to disrupt economic activities under the guise of
protest.
He
added that over the past five years, women have been left behind due to the
absence of quotas. The most minor marginalized groups have suffered the most.
Diversity and equitable state structures necessitate quotas in certain fields.
"The
High Court has issued a status quo on quotas for four weeks. We are observing
the situation with concern, as efforts are underway to disrupt people's normal
lives in the name of the so-called Bangla Blocked movement."
On
the other hand, some political parties are inciting soft-hearted students for
their own political interests, supporting the quota protest. BNP
Secretary-General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said there is no need for a
'Freedom Fighter' quota. From this, it is understood that BNP has no respect
for the freedom fighters.
Obaidul
Quader said that the HC is the protector of the Constitution and that respect
must be shown to the court. Disrupting public movement and transportation under
the guise of protests is unlawful.
AL's
Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif, Afzal Hossain, Organising
Secretary BM Mozammel Haque, SM Kamal Hossain, Afzal Hossain, Sujit Ray Nandi,
and central leaders were present at the press conference.