Quader yet to know if BCL men attack quota protesters

Bangladesh Awami League general secretary and road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday claimed that he was not aware of whether any genuine Bangladesh Chhatra League activists attacked the demonstrators who demand quota reform.

“I have to make sure if others are taking part in such attacks in the name of Chhatra League,” he told a press conference at the Awami League's Dhanmondi office.

The minister pointed out that the police commissioner had not mentioned of any BCL man’s involvement in the attacks on the quota reform demonstrators.

“The committee for reviewing quota system in public services is now working. Protesters have to keep patience and rely on prime minister Sheikh Hasina's assurance,” he added.

Quader himself once talked to the protesters before the prime minister announced in parliament in April that there would be no quota.

However, as the protesters demanded gazzette notification confirming abolishing or massive reforms in quota system, they once again took to the streets in recent times. The protesters and the teachers who sympathise with them, faced reported attacks by BCL men in recent days.

At the press conference, the AL general secretary was asked if the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) would join the next general elections. He said it was not the right time to comment on anything before October.

“The elections cannot be stopped for any party or their leader. The BNP has isolated itself by its activities,” Quader elaborated.