Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader faced strong criticism from former Chhatra League leaders during a meeting held at the party’s central office on Bangabandhu Avenue on Wednesday. The meeting was intended to address issues arising from the quota reform movement.
The day before, the media had been informed that Quader would hold a discussion with former student leaders at 11 am. Several hundred former Chhatra League leaders, including MPs and former presidents and general secretaries, arrived at the conference room on the second floor as scheduled.
However, instead of engaging in a dialogue with them, Quader began addressing the media directly. This approach angered the former student leaders, who had expected an open discussion rather than a press briefing.
Witnesses reported that the discontent among the leaders quickly escalated into a loud commotion. Some former leaders confronted Quader, questioning why he had called for an exchange of views if he intended to hold a press conference instead. They insisted he should listen to them first before speaking to the media.
Despite Quader’s attempts to defuse the situation, the uproar continued. He eventually ended the press conference early and left the venue. As he departed, a former leader shouted "Bhua, Bhua" (Fake, fake), and many others joined in the chant.
Quader then retreated to his office, and other central leaders also left. The chants continued outside the party office for about an hour.
