Dhaka, July 25 — Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has alleged that the BNP had meticulously premeditated the violent attacks that occurred during the recent quota reform movement. Speaking at a coordination meeting of the Metropolitan North Awami League at the Tejgaon district Awami League office on Thursday afternoon, Quader outlined the accusations and urged the public to stand against the perpetrators.
Quader, who also serves as the Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, stated that the attackers were systematically recruited and directed to carry out the violence, with specific targets and support strategies prepared in advance. "They have turned the Prime Minister's dream projects into rubble," he said, blaming the BNP-Jamaat alliance for the brutality and destruction.
Accusing the BNP of trying to seize power by causing chaos and violence, Quader emphasized that they must be held accountable. He directed Awami League leaders to maintain their positions in their respective areas and cautioned against incitement and irresponsible behavior. He specifically criticized BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul for inciting students with false information during press conferences.
Quader also warned the public against falling prey to rumors, likening them to terrorism and drugs that can lead to societal ruin. "Rumors, like drugs, can lead your child to doom. So these rumors have to be prevented," he stated.
Reflecting on the timeline of events, Quader pointed out that there had been no significant movement regarding the quota issue from 2018 to 2024. He questioned the sudden resurgence of the movement and attributed it to the instigation by BNP-Jamaat associates led by Kushilab Tarek Zia. "As long as this movement was in the hands of students, there was no violence in Bangladesh. The police also played a tolerable role. All parties have been patient," he added.
Quader asserted that the armed cadres of BNP-Jamaat had targeted and attacked during this movement, with months of planning and rehearsals on where to attack. He drew parallels to the violence in 2013, 2014, and 2015, where arsonists from various parts of Bangladesh converged on Dhaka.
Highlighting the extensive damage, Quader noted that significant government infrastructure, including the Metrorail, Setubhaban, and Bangladesh Television, had been attacked, vandalized, and set on fire. "If you see them, you can understand who did these things. Those who don't want to see the development of the government did it," he concluded.
The meeting underscored the need for vigilance and unity in countering the destructive actions and ensuring the continued development and welfare of the country.
Comment: