Staff Reporter :
In a recent press conference, Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader addressed the ongoing tensions surrounding student protests, emphasising that students should not be seen as adversaries of the government. The briefing took place at the Awami League President’s office in Dhanmondi, Dhaka.
Quader reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing student concerns, particularly those related to the quota system in government jobs. “The main demands of the students have been met,” he stated, noting that the government promptly issued a notification following the court’s verdict on the matter. Despite these efforts, Quader warned of a “certain group” attempting to create a false narrative of conflict between the government and students. “They have carried out destruction using the students as a tool,” he added.
Highlighting the government’s actions, Quader mentioned the expansion of judicial inquiry commissions to ensure thorough investigations of murders. He invited international participation in these investigations, saying, “If the United Nations or any country or organisation wishes to join, they are welcome, and the government will welcome them.”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has also demonstrated her support for the affected families, providing financial assistance and visiting hospitals to see the injured. The minister stressed that law enforcement agencies have been instructed not to unnecessarily harass or detain students, indicating a shift towards a more supportive approach.
Quader also announced a new schedule to facilitate uninterrupted participation of HSC examinees in their exams. “Since the students’ main demands have been fulfilled, I believe that they will return to their classrooms and examination halls. The nation does not want to see them used as a shield by any evil force,” he asserted.
Emphasising the role of civil society, Quader urged that personal opinions be leveraged to prevent third-party exploitation of the situation. “The issue of peace, order, and safety of the people and property in the country should be considered by everyone,” he said.
Quader addressed the controversy surrounding the ban on Jamaat-Shibir, noting that while the public has largely supported the ban, the BNP’s dissatisfaction highlights its close ties with Jamaat. “The statement of the party’s Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul clearly shows how close the relationship between BNP and Jamaat is,” Quader remarked.
To resolve the tensions, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has begun consulting with professionals and civil society members. “She will gradually consult with everyone,” Quader assured. Present at the briefing were AL Joint General Secretary AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Organising Secretaries BM Mozammel Haque, Mirza Azam, Sujit Roy Nandi, and Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua, among others.