Dhaka, 25 July - Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called on the citizens of Bangladesh to stand against those who are destroying development facilities meant for public welfare through acts of vandalism and violence. During a visit to the vandalized Mirpur-10 metro rail station, she questioned the continuing nature of the protests and the shifting demands of the protestors, asking, "What is still the movement?"

The Prime Minister emphasized that the destruction of government initiatives aimed at alleviating public suffering should not be tolerated. "Those who have committed this violence should be judged by the people of the country," she asserted.

The quota reform movement has seen widespread riots across the country, with state and government institutions coming under attack. The metro rail system, a key component of Dhaka's modern public transport, was not spared and faced significant vandalism.

During her visit, Prime Minister Hasina expressed her commitment to ensuring that citizens can reach their workplaces without issues and emphasized efforts to make the country financially prosperous. She lamented the mentality behind destroying facilities that improve people's lives, stating, "Dhaka city is stuck in traffic, metro has given relief there. I cannot believe that modern technology has destroyed this transport like this."

On July 18, the police box at Mirpur-10 goal square under the metro line was set on fire. Extensive vandalism followed at Mirpur-10 and Kazipara stations, with looting and destruction of ticket vending machines, entry punch machines, ticket counters, and escalators. The attacks extended to parts of Pallabi and 11 stations in Mirpur.

Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited Managing Director MAN Siddik mentioned that it will take a year to repair the damaged Kazipara and Mirpur-10 stations.

Reflecting on the development over the past 16 years, Prime Minister Hasina expressed disbelief at the anger driving such destructive actions. "Common people will suffer due to the destruction of state resources. What do ordinary people think? People have to resist those who created this trouble," she urged.