Leaders Struggle to Mobilize Workers to Counter Anti-Quota Student Movement
Dhaka, Bangladesh – Although Awami League leaders have taken to the field to counter the anti-quota student movement, they are struggling to find enough workers to support their efforts. Despite the presence of leaders in various locations, the number of workers remains disappointingly low. On Saturday, Dhaka South Awami League leaders took seats in front of the central office at 23 Bangabandhu Avenue in Gulistan. On the same day, Dhaka South Jubo League members positioned themselves in front of their party office.
Present at the scene were Dhaka South Jubo League’s acting general secretary H M Rezaul Karim Reza, office secretary Emdadul Haque Emdad, among others. However, many expected leaders were absent from Bangabandhu Avenue. Even frequent visitors to the party office were notably missing. Only a few leaders, including Dhaka South Awami League’s joint general secretary Miraj Hossain, Mohiuddin Ahmed Mohi, organizing secretary Golam Sarwar Kabir, Akhtar Hossain, former general secretary Shahe Alam Murad, legal secretary Jaglul Kabir, and office secretary Riaz Uddin Riaz, were present.
By 10:30 AM, 25 to 30 leaders had gathered. As the day progressed, about a hundred leaders and activists took up positions in front of the office. However, the number of workers was disappointingly low, leading to frustration among many. Leaders of Dhaka South Awami League stated that they had taken up positions to prevent sabotage and anarchy surrounding the anti-quota student movement and to protect public safety. They claimed that conspirators infiltrating the student movement aimed to destabilize the country.
Thana-ward leaders set up guard and carried out programs at entry points in the capital, including Jatrabari and Demra Staff Quarters. Dhaka-5 MP Alhaj Mashiur Rahman Molla Sajal stated that they did not want any disorder and aimed to peacefully send the students home. He mentioned having meetings with teachers of schools, colleges, and universities in Jatrabari-Demra, who assured him of sending the students home.
Thana Awami League president Chowdhury Ashiqur Rahman Lavlu and general secretary Haji Abul Hossain took positions at the corner of the street near Joykali Temple (Hotel Super) in Ward 38 of Wari Thana. Fifty to sixty people were seen seated in each ward of the thana. Lavlu told journalists that the destruction of state property and harm to the public by students under the guise of the quota reform movement was unacceptable. He said they were in the field to protect state property and public safety, following central directives.
Additionally, Jubo Mohila League held a rally in Jigatola. The rally, led by Jubo Mohila League president Daisy Sarwar and general secretary Sharmin Sultana Lily, took place at 1 PM on Saturday. In the morning, Jubo Mohila League leaders and activists gathered at the Awami League president’s political office in Dhanmondi. The rally circled the main road of Jigatola several times before concluding in front of the office.
Today, Sunday, Awami League announced gatherings in all wards of Dhaka and all districts and metropolitan areas across the country. The party also planned a mourning rally from the Engineers Institution to Bangabandhu Bhaban on Monday at 3 PM.
