Dhaka, August 18-- Following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina from the post of Prime Minister on August 5 amidst a widespread student uprising, speculation has grown regarding the whereabouts of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader. While some sources suggest he may have fled the country, others claim he remains in hiding within Bangladesh.
Obaidul Quader, a prominent figure in the Awami League and often seen as a close ally of Sheikh Hasina, has been at the center of controversy for his role in addressing the student-led quota reform movement. His hardline stance against the movement, coupled with inflammatory rhetoric and warnings of severe government actions, including curfews and orders to "shoot on sight," has made him a target of criticism.
During the height of the student protests, Quader was accused of inciting party loyalists, particularly members of the Chhatra League, to suppress the movement. However, this strategy backfired as students resisted, leading to significant public backlash and a decline in Quader’s popularity within his own party.
Reports indicate that Obaidul Quader had begun to distance himself from public appearances and media engagements in the days leading up to Sheikh Hasina's resignation. His last public statement was made on August 3 at a press conference at the Awami League President’s office in Dhanmondi. Since then, Quader has not been seen or heard from, fueling speculation about his whereabouts.
According to various unverified reports, Quader may have left the country on the night of August 4, possibly heading to Singapore or New Delhi. Some sources even suggest he is planning to travel to the UK. These reports remain unconfirmed, and no official statement has been made regarding his location.
The uncertainty surrounding Quader’s whereabouts has led to rumors and political speculation. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has publicly mocked Quader’s disappearance, while other political leaders, including Nurul Haque Noor of the People's Rights Council, have demanded his immediate arrest, alleging his involvement in recent violence and killings during the protests.
Adding to the intrigue, Obaidul Quader’s ancestral home in Companyganj, Noakhali, was reportedly set on fire by unidentified assailants on August 5. Local Awami League members have claimed that Quader and his family fled upon learning of Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, but they have been unable to contact him since.
Despite the various claims and counterclaims, Obaidul Quader's current location remains a mystery. Whether he is in hiding within Bangladesh or has fled abroad is yet to be conclusively determined. However, it is clear that his disappearance has left a significant vacuum in the leadership of the Awami League, further complicating the party’s already tumultuous situation in the aftermath of the government’s collapse.
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