Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's remarks about the anti-quota protesters are being distorted, said Awami League General Secretary and Minister of Road Transport and Bridges Obaidul Quader.
"Various conspiracies, both at home and from abroad, are underway to overthrow this elected government. The prime minister's statements are being misrepresented. There is an attempt to change the court's verdict through force, driven by a vested interest group," he said at a press conference held at the Awami League president's political office in Dhanmondi on Tuesday (16 July).
"We maintain that the movement is being led by a convicted fugitive from London. His party has openly supported it. Tarique Rahman has repeatedly incited various malicious forces to turn this movement into a political one, reminiscent of his actions in 2015, 2016, and 2018. Several like-minded parties are also involved," he added.
When asked about the public inconvenience caused by the quota reform protests, Quader responded, "Appropriate action will be taken in due time."
He emphasised that the administration's restraint should not be mistaken for weakness.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina criticised the movement opposing the reinstatement of quotas in government jobs.
She warned the protesters about the due course of legal action if their movement deviates from its peaceful nature.
“Destructive acts will not be allowed. No one will say anything as long as they continue their movement peacefully. But if they engage in activities like attacking police and vandalising vehicles, the law will take its own course,” she added.
PM Hasina said, "Why is there so much resentment against the Liberation War and the freedom fighters? If the grandchildren of the freedom fighters don't get quotas, then should the grandchildren of Razakars [Pakistani collaborators] get quotas? That is my question."
