AL hails students’ judicial engagement
Staff Reporter :
In a pivotal development amid continuing protests, Awami League (AL) General Secretary Obaidul Quader has publicly endorsed students’ decision to pursue judicial avenues regarding the reform of the quota system in government jobs.
Speaking at a joint meeting held at the Awami League’s central office on Bangabandhu Avenue, Quader commended the students’ initiative to appoint legal representation for their case in the High Court.
“We have heard that they (the students) have appointed a lawyer for the ongoing case in the High Court and will appear in court at the scheduled time. This is a logical decision.
We thank them for this,” Quader remarked during the meeting attended by top leaders from Dhaka Metropolitan North and South, Dhaka District Awami League, and affiliated organisations.
The meeting, which lasted approximately 20 minutes following Quader’s opening address, primarily focused on finalising the party’s activities for August, designated as a month of mourning. Sources indicate that the gathering also acknowledged the absence of scheduled protests by the quota reform movement on the day, for which Quader expressed gratitude.
Regarding the students’ pursuit of quota reform through legal channels, Quader emphasised their demand and expressed optimism for a fair judicial resolution.
“When their representative lawyer represents them in court, the court will listen to them and also hear from the government side.
We hope the Appellate Division of the country’s highest court will make a realistic decision after listening to all sides. Until then, we request everyone to be patient,” he stated.
In a broader political context, Quader criticised the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for supporting ongoing protests by university teachers and employees against the universal pension scheme notification.
He labelled this support as a conspiracy to foment disorder under the guise of a non-political movement. Quader urged party leaders and workers to remain vigilant to prevent any potential unrest.
“We must be cautious about one thing—this is definitely a related matter, a non-political movement; the teachers’ movement is also non-political, and the students’ movement is non-political.
We need to think about the political support of the BNP and their like-minded people for this non-political movement.
This malicious group should not be able to create an atmosphere of disorder across the country by inciting and provoking teachers and students.
Everyone across Bangladesh, in the capital—everywhere—must remain vigilant and cautious. I am reminding everyone of this,” Quader stated.
In a direct appeal to the Chhatra League, Quader advised careful handling of the situation to avoid any provocation. He also mentioned that law enforcement agencies have been instructed to act without provocation.
Regarding the teachers’ protests, Quader assured that the government is aware and is working towards a solution. “The government is aware of the issue, and I believe the solution will be achieved soon,” he said.
Among those present at the meeting were Awami League Praesidium members Kamrul Islam and Mustafa Jalal Mohiuddin; Joint General Secretaries Mahbubul Alam Hanif, AFM Bahauddin Nasim, and Dipu Moni; Organisational Secretaries BM Mozammel Haque and SM Kamal Hossain; Finance Secretary Wasika Ayesha Khan; Agriculture Secretary Faridunnahar Laily; International Secretary Shammi Ahmed; Office Secretary Biplab Barua; Science and Technology Secretary Abdus Sabur; and Deputy Office Secretary Sayem Khan.
