In response to the one-point demand student movement, the Awami League, alongside its affiliated organizations such as Chhatra League and Jubo League, has mobilized across the country, including Dhaka, to politically counter the movement. This show of force led to clashes yesterday between ruling party activists, police, and protesters in various regions of Dhaka and other parts of the country. According to several Awami League leaders, party activists have been instructed to continue demonstrating their strength for the next two to three days.
Following fatalities during the quota reform movement and the subsequent deployment of the army, which failed to restore calm, the government has been under significant pressure. On Saturday, the students shifted their demands to a single point calling for the government’s resignation. Awami League sources indicate that during several high-level meetings, the decision was made to suppress the movement through political force. Consequently, late Saturday night, Awami League and its affiliated organizations prepared to take to the streets, and many areas of Dhaka witnessed demonstrations of their power.
From Sunday morning, Awami League activists and their affiliates, armed with sticks, machetes, and various other weapons, mobilized across the country to counter the protests. Some were seen with firearms. These activists, alongside law enforcement, engaged in clashes with protesters. High-ranking Awami League leaders revealed that party president and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina met with top leaders of the 14-party coalition on Saturday. Meeting participants stated that they agreed to take three days to politically manage the situation and then determine further actions based on developments.
The Awami League leadership argues that the student movement has transformed into a political one, and it is no longer led by students. Therefore, they believe that political force might provide the government with some advantage. Party insiders indicated that activists were instructed that after the demand for Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, there was no room for inaction. This situation has become existential for party members, and they must take to the streets to remove the protesters at any cost to protect their interests.
At a press conference held at the Awami League’s Dhanmondi office yesterday afternoon, Presidium Member Jahangir Kabir Nanak presented the party’s stance. He stated, “We have reached the limits of our patience. Do not mistake our patience and tolerance for weakness. We call upon the nation to resist this extremist group.”
Referring to the single-point demand for the government’s resignation as a conspiracy by BNP-Jamaat, Nanak added that the Awami League has decided to strictly resist the creators of terror and anarchy in neighborhoods and on the streets. Consequently, the leadership of the student movement will have to bear responsibility for any ensuing situation, including all deaths and violence. In recent times, Awami League’s General Secretary Obaidul Quader usually presented the party’s position, but he did not attend yesterday’s press conference.
Party sources reported that the General Secretary, key policymakers, and crucial government ministers spent the day at Ganabhaban yesterday. Both formal and informal meetings were held to determine the next steps for the party and the government.
