Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced that Jamaat-Shibir will be dealt with as a militant organization following their ban. She made these remarks during a discussion organized by the Krishak League at the Krishibid Institution on Thursday, in commemoration of the National Mourning Day.
The Prime Minister asserted that militants carried out sabotage under the guise of the quota reform movement. She remarked, "Pakistani ghosts have not left yet. A class has developed under the guise of bigotry. Their presence emerged in the name of the quota movement."
Questioning the motives behind the quota movement, Hasina noted that militants infiltrated the movement, leading to violence and attacks on public institutions and individuals, including students and journalists. She highlighted footage from Dhaka University showing people armed with sharp weapons, likening the attacks on female students to the brutality faced during historical invasions.
Hasina pointed out that all demands of the quota reform protesters were met, yet the movement continued, suggesting that other interests were at play. She condemned the violent incidents, stating, "Four children died, and more than two hundred people were injured. Structures can be rebuilt, but the loss of life is irreplaceable."
Addressing the rumors about violence during the movement, she refuted claims that shots were fired from helicopters and emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the casualties. She expressed her willingness to allow international experts, including the United Nations, to conduct a fair investigation into the incidents.
The Prime Minister reiterated her commitment to maintaining Bangladesh's dignity and progress, despite facing personal threats. She emphasized that terrorism and militancy will not find a foothold in Bangladesh and declared that Jamaat Shibir would be treated as a militant organization after their ban under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
Reflecting on the historical context, Hasina criticized the post-1975 period when war criminals were released and allowed to engage in politics, eventually gaining power. She affirmed that Bangladesh will not allow a resurgence of militancy and will continue to protect the nation's sovereignty and security.
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