Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the nation from Ganobhaban. Photo: PID this Wednesday evening
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her belief that the student community will get justice from the Supreme Court regarding quota reforms in government jobs. He called for patience so far.
The Prime Minister made this call in an address to the nation on Wednesday evening. The speech was telecast live on various television channels.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the students protesting for quota reform and said, “Despite the possibility of a solution in the legal process, don’t give the perpetrators an opportunity to fight on the streets by protesting. I specially request everyone to wait patiently till the Supreme Court verdict. I believe, our students will get justice from the high court, they should not be disappointed.’
The prime minister said that the government has appealed to the Supreme Court against the judgment of the High Court, and the hearing date has been fixed in the appellate court. Students have an opportunity to be heard in court. There is an opportunity to resolve the issue through legal process.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that she herself is very concerned about the safety of the protesting young students. He said, terrorists can harm them by creating an atmosphere of conflict at any time. So I would appeal to the parents, guardians and teachers of the students to be vigilant about the safety of their children. At the same time, he urged to pay special attention to the safety of students of all educational institutions.
Stating that the quota system in government jobs was abolished in 2018 in view of the students’ movement, Sheikh Hasina said that subsequently, the High Court canceled the government’s circular issued in 2018 in favor of maintaining the quota on behalf of the freedom fighters. The Government appealed to the Supreme Court to uphold the circular and His Highness fixed a hearing date. At this time, the students again started a movement with the demand of quota reform. The government has shown considerable patience and tolerance since the beginning of this movement. The police cooperated in ensuring the security of the protestors. When the agitators expressed their desire to submit memorandums to the President, they were given the opportunity and security arrangements were also made.
The prime minister believes that the terrorists have no connection with those involved in the quota reform movement. He said, ‘Rather, terrorists are entering into them and creating conflict and anarchy. Those involved in such incidents will be identified and punished appropriately. I will do whatever support is needed in the way of livelihood for the families of those who have been killed.’
The Prime Minister began his speech by paying tribute to Hazrat Imam Hussain and his family members who were martyred in Karbala.
Then the Prime Minister recalled the killing of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family on August 15, 1975. He mentioned that another Karbala was created in this incident. Prime Minister paid tribute to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and his family members who died in 1975. Apart from this, he also paid tribute to the 3 million martyrs and 2 million victims of the great liberation war in 1971.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina mentioned appearing before the nation with a very pain-laden mind. Highlighting the various achievements of his government, the Prime Minister said that the government has been able to change the fate of the people of Bangladesh in the last 15 years. His government has embarked on a journey to provide a better life to the people by providing education-initiation, knowledge-science-technology and providing food, clothing, housing, medical care and education to meet the basic needs of people.
Mentioning many successes and achievements, the Prime Minister said, ‘At this time, I have been able to hold Bangladesh in a prestigious seat in the world court. Still, we have a long way to go. When the people of Bangladesh return to a little relief, sometimes something happens which is very painful.’
At the very end of the speech, the Prime Minister once again expressed deep sorrow for those who were killed in the untoward incident in the quota reform movement. He also expressed his condolences to the family members.