Anti-quota movement targeted to become anti-state using student sentiments: FM

Foreign Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday said the government would not allow anyone to cause instability in the country, noting that there is an effort to turn the anti-quota movement into an anti-state and anti-government movement by exploiting the sentiments of young students.

“The government will not allow this. This government is a very strong government. No political evil force will be allowed to destabilise the country by playing with the sentiments of young students,” he told reporters while responding to a question at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Hasan said anti-state slogans were chanted from the quota movement on Sunday night. “Through the Liberation War in 1971, this country gained independence, sacrificing the blood of 30 lakh martyrs. Here, chanting slogans in favor of razakars is anti-state.”

At the same time, he said, anti-government and anti-Prime Minister slogans had also been chanted there.

“It is clear that political evil forces have entered the quota movement, including BNP and Jamaat, who want to destabilise the country, and some of their planted people are leading it,” Hasan said.

The Foreign Minister said their arrogant slogans and statements proved that this is not an anti-quota movement, but an attempt is being made to transform it into an anti-state, anti-government movement and the sentiments of young students are being exploited. “Some leaders… BNP-Jamaat and others are instigating them.”

He highlighted the government‍‍`s clear position on this matter and said that the government cannot decide on any sub-judice matter.

“The government will have to act as directed by the court. Everyone, including you, who have knowledge about the law, the constitution, understands this. But still, there is this movement,” he said.

Earlier, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh, Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan, had a courtesy meeting with the Foreign Minister and discussed issues of mutual interests.