Quota protesters in Bangladesh, have announced a countrywide non-cooperation movement from tomorrow in protest against the recent killings and to press their nine-point demand. They will also stage demonstrations across the country today. Two coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement announced their fresh program on their various social media platforms yesterday.
The coordinators of the Students Movement against Discrimination also called upon the countrymen to make the all-out non-cooperation movement a success being organised at roads and lanes, and wards.
After nearly two weeks, violence again erupted yesterday at various places across the country in which two people lost their lives and many got injured. Clashes took place between protesters and personnel of law enforcement agencies and party workers of the ruling Awami League in Dhaka, Sylhet, Khulna, Chittagong and Noakhali.
Meanwhile, Journalists have been given a 48-hour ultimatum demanding justice for the murders of journalists who were killed while covering the quota reform movement last month. During a human chain held yesterday in the capital, speakers made this demand under the banner of ‘Demand for Media Workers’ Safety.’
Last evening, ruling Awami League (AL) General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said at a press conference in Dhaka that the law enforcement agencies have been instructed not to harass or detain the students.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today called upon the agitating students to sit with her at her official Ganabhaban residence here to put an end to violence centering the quota reform movement.
“The door of Ganabhaban is open. I want to sit with the agitating students of the movement and listen to them. I want no conflict,” she said.
The prime minister made the remarks in a meeting with the central leaders of the Peshajibi Somonnoy Parishad (Professionals Coordination Council) at Ganabhaban this morning.
She also asked the authorities concerned to release the detained general students.
The prime minister, as well, assured of holding trial of each killing during the anti-quota movement.
“Trial of each of the killing must be held,” she said.
“I am telling again that I’m still agreed to hold talks if the agitators want. They can come any time (to Ganabhaban). If required they can come with their guardians,” she said.
She also announced cancelling the proposed, universal pension scheme “Prottoy” for universities, autonomous and state-owned organisations.