Quota protesters' demands contradict charter, state principles: Quader

Obaidul Quader, General Secretary of the Awami League and Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, asserted on Saturday that the demands and statements of quota protesters are in opposition to both the constitution and the fundamental principles of the state.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Awami League President's office in Dhanmondi, he affirmed that the law concerning the quota system will progress according to its own trajectory.

Quader underscored the importance of the quota system within the current context of Bangladesh, emphasizing that certain vested interests are attempting to exploit the quota reform movement for personal gain.

He pointed out the crucial role the quota system plays in facilitating the participation of women and marginalized communities in government services, noting that Bangladesh's quota percentages are among the lowest in South Asia.

Regarding comparative statistics, he highlighted that while India has a 60% quota, Pakistan has 92.5%, Nepal 45%, and Sri Lanka 50% for public sector jobs and university admissions.

Addressing the ongoing flood crisis affecting around two million people across 15 districts, Quader mentioned that Awami League representatives and activists are actively involved in providing assistance to flood victims alongside the government.

Present at the briefing were Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, Prime Minister's Adviser on Education and Cultural Affairs, Deputy Minister for Education Shamsunnahar Chapa, AL Joint General Secretaries Mahabub-ul Alam Hanif and AFM Bahauddin Nasim, Organising Secretaries BM Mozammel Haque, Mirza Azam, Afzal Hossain, Sujit Roy Nandi, and Office Secretary Barrister Biplab Barua, among others.

Source: BSS