Dhaka, August 3 — In the midst of escalating tensions and widespread protests, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal announced that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is willing to step down if it serves the best interests of the country. The statement was made following a high-level meeting with law enforcement officials, including police chiefs, at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Saturday evening.
Addressing reporters at approximately 10 PM, the Home Minister responded to questions about the Prime Minister's potential resignation. "The students have been making various demands. If the Prime Minister deems it necessary, she is willing to resign," Kamal said, highlighting the government's consideration of the ongoing student protests.
Kamal asserted that the government has already met all the demands of the quota reform activists, including holding accountable the police officers involved in violence against protesters. "We have fulfilled all their demands," he emphasized. "Given this, we hope they will cease their movement."
He also addressed concerns about reports from international organizations regarding the casualties during the protests. Refuting a United Nations report that claimed 32 children had died, Kamal stated, "At the age of 18, one is considered a teenager, not a child."
The Home Minister reiterated that students could present their demands directly to the Prime Minister, who has expressed a willingness to engage with them. Furthermore, he announced a relaxation of the curfew from 6 AM to 9 PM on Sunday, a measure that will remain in place until further notice.
The government's response comes amid growing pressure from student activists and various societal groups, who have been calling for major political changes and accountability. The situation remains tense, with law enforcement agencies on high alert to maintain order.
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