Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has called on students to refrain from programmes that cause public sufferings until the High Court delivers its verdict on the quota issue.
“The government has appealed against the High Court order revoking the 2018 circular on the abolition of quotas. Therefore, I urge students to avoid causing public inconvenience by blocking roads until the apex court gives its ruling,” said Quader at a press conference held at the political office of the Awami League President in Dhanmondi on Monday (8 July).
Quader said discussing, criticising, or protesting a matter that is sub judice is not lawful.
The Awami League general seceretary said, “BNP and its allies have openly supported the quota movement, which means they are participating in it. This has now turned into polarised politics,” Quader added.
He further mentioned, “The involvement of different groups and whether any conspiracy is at play will become evident as the movement progresses. Over time, everything will become clear, and nothing can be hidden. We are monitoring the situation closely.”
When asked why he criticised political parties for supporting a movement in line with their ideologies, Quader said, “Can you show me any country where a political party is involved in a movement against the court? This matter is under judicial consideration. No political party can support such a movement.”
Regarding the teachers' movement against the Universal Pension Scheme, Quader said, “There might be misunderstandings. We are in communication with them. We haven’t had a formal meeting yet, but decisions will be made based on practical situations. We won’t debate whether the bureaucracy or the teachers are superior. We want to do what is realistic based on their respective ranks.”
