BCL men commit excesses, admits AL

Prime minister and Awami League president Sheikh Hasina is aware of the excesses committed by the activists of ruling party-backed Bangladesh Chhatra League during the recent quota protests.

Saying this on Sunday, Bangaldesh Awami League general secretary and road transport and bridges minister Obaidul Quader said Sheikh Hasina has also warned the BCL leaders and activists of stern actions, should there be complaints like their role in the students' demonstration demanding reforms in public service quota.

Quoting the prime minister, Quader said at a press briefing at the secretariet that Hasina issued a note of warning when the BCL leaders approached her as she was getting down from the stage of the party's reception accorded to her on Saturday.

“I have received many complaints of excesses against Chhatra League over the quota issue. I don’t want to hear such complaitns any longer,” Quader said quoting Hasina.

On more than one occasions recently, BCL men attacked the students and teachers of various educational institutions including Dhaka University, who were demanding reform in existing quota system in public services.

Dwelling on the next general election likely to be held on December, Quader said an election-time government will be formed any time in October. A small cabinet comprised of the parties representing in parliament would be formed, he iterated.

Refering to the BNP’s insistance that it would not go to polls without release of its jailed chairperson Khalaeda Zia, Quader said, his party will prevent any attempt to foil the election.

He also said, the BNP has given conditions to contest the election which are not likely to be met. The election would be held as per constitution, he added.

Professor Emajuddin Ahmed, a former vice chancellor of Dhaka University, on Saturday said, the next general elections would be held only if four conditions including release of former prime minister Khaled Zia are met.

Quader, however, said that the BNP will participate in the elections for their own sake. ‘It’s their right to participate in the elections but democracy would take its own course if they don’t take part,’ he added.

Regarding public sufferings in mass reception accorded to the prime minister on Saturday, Quader said, “We organised the rally on Saturday so that the people don’t have to suffer. Still, I am seeking apology had there been any incidents of public suffering.”