PMStaff Reporter :
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina delivered a firm message to students advocating for quota reforms, asserting that while peaceful demonstrations would be permitted, any attempt to sow disorder would face legal consequences.
“They are protesting on the streets, and they will continue to do so. However, they will not be able to engage in any destructive activities. As long as they remain peaceful, no one will say anything.
But if they do anything beyond that, such as attacking the police or damaging police vehicles, then the law will take its own course. We have nothing to do with it,” Sheikh Hasina stated during a press conference at Ganabhaban on Sunday.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come amidst ongoing protests demanding revisions to the government’s quota system for public sector jobs.
Protesters argue that the current system, which reserves a significant number of positions for specific groups, disadvantages merit-based candidates.
In addressing the issue, Sheikh Hasina also questioned the discontent aimed at freedom fighters and their descendants.
“Why is there so much anger against the freedom fighters? If their grandchildren are not receiving benefits, should the grandchildren of the Razakars (collaborators) receive them instead? This is a question for my fellow countrymen. What is their fault?” she queried.
Sheikh Hasina underscored the government’s obligation to abide by court rulings concerning the quota system.
“The government cannot alter the quota of government jobs until the court resolves the matter. There’s no objection to peaceful protests against the quota.
However, I caution that if any destructive activities occur, the law will take its course,” she added.
When pressed on demands from protesters for her intervention, the Prime Minister responded firmly, “Once the court has spoken and issued a verdict, I have no authority to oppose it. Until the court provides a resolution, we are bound by its decision.
This is reality, and they must accept it. If they do not accept it, there is nothing more we can do.”
Sheikh Hasina urged demonstrators to present their grievances before the court. “The court has given them an opportunity. They should go to court and present their case,” she urged.
Reflecting on earlier protests in 2018 that led to the removal of quotas from grades 9 to 13, the Prime Minister highlighted the consequences of such actions.
“What happens when quotas are eliminated? Only two women secured positions in the Foreign Service and four in the Police Service,” she observed.
She also criticised those who opposed quotas for women, questioning whether they obtained jobs based on merit. “At that time, they rejected the idea of a women’s quota.
Did they secure jobs on merit? Did they pass the BCS exams? Did they succeed in the preliminary exams? If they had not made such declarations, they might have found jobs elsewhere,” she remarked.
The Prime Minister emphasised the disparities in development across various regions of Bangladesh, stressing the necessity of affirmative action to support disadvantaged communities.
“Not all parts of Bangladesh have the same level of development. There are underprivileged communities. Shouldn’t people from those areas have rights?” she questioned.
Regarding corruption in Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed confidence that crackdowns against corruption would not tarnish her government’s reputation, reiterating her commitment to implementing a zero-tolerance policy to eradicate corruption from the country.
“I will not spare corrupt individuals, regardless of their status or closeness to me.
I have initiated actions against corruption. I don’t even consider who is close and who is not. I must implement the zero-tolerance policy against corruption,” she affirmed.
The Prime Minister pointed out that her administration has pursued anti-corruption efforts rigorously, claiming that no previous government had conducted such extensive campaigns against corruption. “We have achieved success in this regard.
Now, we are taking steps against corruption, and this will continue until the problem is eradicated,” she assured.
She recounted an instance where a peon amassed Tk 400 crore through corruption and highlighted her swift action against him.
“My responsibility is to elevate the country’s stature by eliminating all irregularities,” she affirmed.
Sheikh Hasina also emphasised that action will be taken against those involved in leaking question papers and securing jobs through bribery.
She stated that both the recipients and givers of bribes are equally culpable and will face consequences.
Addressing the rampant irregularities in government job recruitments and question paper leaks that have sparked nationwide concern, Sheikh Hasina attributed their origins to the BNP era.
She pointed out that Ziaur Rahman initiated these irregular practices, which escalated during Khaleda Zia’s tenure.
Highlighting specific instances, she mentioned the 24th BCS exam held in 2002, where irregularities were rampant. Jobs were allegedly distributed from Hawa Bhaban, and Dhaka College reportedly had a designated room for facilitating these practices.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also dismissed criticisms from the opposition regarding her visits to China and India as symptomatic of “mental illness.” She commented, “They say I sold the country during my visit to India and returned empty-handed from China.
Are they saying this knowingly or just to belittle me? I fail to comprehend. This reflects their mental instability.”
Sheikh Hasina disclosed, “During my visit to China, we signed 21 Memorandums of Understanding and seven declarations. I do not know if those criticising me are aware of this.
They always spread negative remarks and rumours about me. I do not pay much heed to it.
Let them speak.” Responding to a query from journalist Farid Hossain regarding reports in Indian newspapers suggesting her return from China without tangible outcomes, the Prime Minister clarified, “I went to China, leaving behind my unwell daughter.
The official business concluded on the 11th. I was scheduled to return in the afternoon but arrived in the morning. I did not anticipate such an uproar over six hours.
I have shortened trips and returned early after completing official business. There is no sightseeing or shopping involved, hence the early return. They are distorting facts and making an issue out of it.”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted that fruitful discussions with the Chinese President had elevated Bangladesh-China relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.
She noted that during the bilateral meeting on July 10, Xi Jinping outlined four areas of assistance: grants, interest-free loans, concessional loans, and commercial loans.
Under these packages, China has committed to providing Bangladesh with an equivalent of $2 billion.