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Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Saturday said that the demands and statements of the quota protesters contradict the constitution and the fundamental principles of state governance.
Addressing a press briefing at the Awami League president's office in Dhanmondi on Saturday, he asserted that the law regarding the quota system will proceed at its own pace.
He emphasised the necessity of the quota system in the current context of the country, pointing out that a conspiratorial group is attempting to exploit the quota reform movement for their gain, reports UNB.
“The absence of a quota system in recent years led to disappointing participation rates among women and marginalized communities,” Quader remarked.
He further highlighted that Bangladesh has one of the lowest quota percentages for recruitment in South Asia, citing that India has 60 per cent, Pakistan 92.5 per cent, Nepal 45 per cent, and Sri Lanka 50 per cent in public sector jobs and 60 per cent in university admissions.
Before the press briefing, Quader met with representatives from university faculties who are protesting for pension reforms.
The meeting included 13 teacher representatives led by the Federation of Bangladesh University Teachers' Association’s President Akhtarul Islam and General Secretary Nizamul Haque Bhuiyan.
Quader assured that the teachers’ other demands would be resolved through discussions.
Additionally, Quader addressed the ongoing flood crisis affecting approximately two million people across 15 districts. He noted that Awami League representatives and activists are actively assisting the government to support the flood victims.
Case filed against quota protesters
Meanwhile, a case has been filed at Shahbagh Police Station regarding the vandalism of police vehicles and the assault and beating of policemen during the ongoing anti-quota protest.
Khalilur Rahman, a driver from the transport section of Rajarbagh Police Lines, filed the case with Shahbagh police on Friday night. Many unidentified persons were accused in the case, DMP Deputy Commissioner of media and public relations Faruque Hossain told BSS on Saturday.
In the case statement, it was mentioned that on July 11, at one point of the protest, the agitators crossed the Shahbagh intersection, forming an illegal assembly that caused unrest and obstructed government duties.
They broke through the police barricade at Shahbagh and clashed with officers, resulting in general injuries to the policemen on duty.
They escalated their aggression by beating and threatening the police. They hit, obstructed, attacked and obstructed the riot control officers causing harm and intimidation, according to the case statement.
