News Desk :
Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has attributed the deaths of a large number of people during the quota reform protest movement to the “involvement of militants”.
At a press conference at the Awami League chief’s office in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi on Thursday, he said, “According to our information, the militants have gained access to the quota reform movement called by the students. They shot many people at a close range, reports bdnews24.com”
Quader said, “A child who went to observe the movement was shot and killed; where was the bullet? In the head. Another individual was shot and died while looking out the window; where did the bullet hit? In the head.”
“You will have to take these facts into consideration. The investigation over the violence is under way but this should be revealed.”
The Awami League general secretary added that it is not feasible to assume the current wave of violence has ended. Although the situation seems calm, the current silence of the militants may be the precursor to another attack, he warned.
“The Awami League is on alert to prevent violence. Our representatives across the country are also aware. The party has asked them to remain vigilant.”
He refuted claims that the government had ordered law-enforcement agencies to shoot protesters, saying, “An incorrect statement has been made regarding a ‘shoot-at-sight’ order by the government. No such instructions were given to shoot at the protesters.”
“We have no reports of the alleged shooting by the army personnel though an investigation into the matter is under way.” Quader urged law-enforcing agencies to avoid arresting innocent people.
