Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader today said the government will take decision on reforms in existing quota system in public service by May 7.

After a meeting with a delegation of the protesting students, the AL leader also said that the demonstration will be postponed until the government’s decision.

“Our government has already started reviewing the existing quota system and it will come up with a result by May 7. Until the date, they will postpone their movement,” Quader said.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader and the delegation of quota demonstrators held a meeting at the secretaria on Monday, April 9, 2018. Photo: Star

Addressing media, Quader also road transport and bridges minister said the government is not in “rigid” stance over the demand for reformation in the existing quota system.

“We assure the demonstrators about the legitimacy of their demands will be evaluated positively,” Quader said this after a meeting held with the delegation of quota demonstrators at the secretariat this afternoon.

“Some minutes prior to hold the meeting with the agitators, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave me some instruction with positive views,” Quader said. 

A 20-member delegation of the demonstrating platform were on their way to meet Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader on April 9, 2018. Photo: Muntakim Saad

A delegation of 20 members from the agitators took part in the meeting where several leaders and lawmakers of the ruling Awami League were also present. 

At the beginning of the meeting, the delegation was told that the prime minister at a special meeting instructed the respective ministry to scrutinise the existing quota system, Quader said.

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But citing the violent activities took place at the Dhaka University’s Vice Chancellor residence last night, Quader said the terrific violence forced the family members of the VC to go on hiding inside a garden of the residence.

Based on the video footages, the demonstrators, who are involved with the violent activities, must be punished, he warned.

Vice Chancellor does not involve in the quota reformation system in any way then why he himself and his family came under the attack, Quader raised the question.

Claiming that there might be terrorist behind the violent activities, Quader said he has instructed police to be careful so that they do not arrest any innocent people in this connection.

“I instructed the law enforces to take action against the true violators who will be caught through the video footage and release the innocent one if there is any,” he said.

About the injured agitators now undergoing treatment at hospitals, Quader said his government will shoulder the treatment responsibility of the injured students.