Describing the context of imposing curfew on the night of July 19, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader revealed on Sunday a conspiracy to occupy the Ganabhaban in a manner similar to the recent events in Sri Lanka on that night.
Speaking at a food distribution event at the Dhaka District Awami League office in Tejgaon, Quader stated that the plan was uncovered during the heightened unrest centring the quota reform movement. The Dhaka District Awami League distributed essential food items, including 10 kg of rice, 2 kg of potatoes, 1 kg of pulses, salt, and 1 liter of oil to needy families.
Quader accused the BNP of orchestrating the violence, claiming their brutality surpassed that of the Pakistani invading forces. He alleged that BNP leader Tarique Rahman, a fugitive residing in London, aimed to seize power by attacking the Prime Minister's residence in a coup d'état had the curfew not been imposed.
Quader noted that the BNP's latest coalition against anti-independence, anti-national, and anti-development forces would naturally attract like-minded allies. He warned that their unity represented a threat to national progress and stability.
Addressing the international reactions to the violence, Quader criticised foreign statements and urged observers to witness the destruction firsthand, including the damage to the Metrorail, Elevated Expressway, and BRT.
Quader defended the government's response, emphasising that they were victims, not aggressors. “We are the victims, not aggressors. Now statements are issued against the victims. We are not the attackers,” he said.
He challenged claims of excessive force, stating that the troops did not fire any shots during the curfew enforcement. “But there are smear campaigns that we have killed thousands of people,” he lamented.
Regarding the role of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, Quader accused him of inciting foreign intervention and criticised his previous political endeavors and opposition to the Padma Bridge construction. Quader also expressed disdain for Yunus's request for India to intervene in stopping Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Quader concluded by highlighting the severe traffic congestion in Dhaka caused by the disruption of metro rail and elevated expressway services. He attributed this suffering to the actions of the BNP-Jamaat alliance, which he claimed prioritised power over the well-being of the common people.
The event was chaired by Dhaka District Awami League President Benazir Ahmed and moderated by General Secretary Paniruzzaman Tarun. Awami League presidium members Abdur Razzak, Kamrul Islam, and organizing secretary Mirza Azam also spoke at the event.
SUJ/NMA