The one-point demand of the quota movement leaders has elicited a strong reaction from the Awami League against the anti-discrimination student movement’s banner, following the call for the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the current government. Concerns have also been voiced by some leaders about the direction of the situation and how the government will manage it.
Leaders and activists at various levels are trying to create a ‘unity tune’ throughout the party. Conversations with some leaders at the central, district, and upazila levels suggest this sentiment.
These leaders state that an unwritten directive from the center to the grassroots was to show maximum restraint regarding the quota movement, considering student participation.
However, intense resentment has emerged within the party after one of the movement coordinators mentioned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by name during the announcement of their one-point demand on Saturday.
Dr. Abdur Razzak, a member of the party’s presidium, told the BBC, “It has become clear who is behind the movement in the guise of students, and the Awami League is now united to resist them. Legally, whatever steps can be taken by the government will now be taken.”
Another presidium member and the Minister of Fisheries and Livestock, Abdur Rahman, stated, “The true character of the protesters has been revealed, and now they will not be spared.”
Notably, Saturday was the first official declaration of the government’s resignation demand from the movement for quota reform in government jobs. Previously, their nine-point demands included an apology from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the resignation of several ministers, but not the resignation of the government.
Violence erupted around this movement starting on July 16, resulting in at least six deaths across various parts of the country that day. Further widespread violence on July 18 and 19 led to the deaths of more than 150 people, with the total death toll surpassing 200 during the unrest associated with this movement.
In this context, the Prime Minister invited the protesters for talks on Saturday, but they rejected the offer. In the afternoon, at a rally at the central Shaheed Minar, they announced the one-point demand for the government’s resignation.
The protesters have started a non-cooperation movement to press their demand. Meanwhile, the Awami League is organizing gatherings at the ward level. Reports of violence are emerging from various parts of the country surrounding these activities.
