Judicial inquiry will be conducted into killings during anti-quota agitation: PM

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina declared to conduct judicial inquiry into the killings and other untoward incidents during the quota reform movement by students.

“I further declare that judicial inquiry will be conducted for the sake of fair trial and justice in all the untoward incidents, including murder,” she said in a televised address to the nation this evening.
 
“On whose instigation the conflict started, who pushed the country to an anarchic situation for what purpose, will be found out through investigation,” she added.
 
She called upon all to wait patiently till the Supreme Court verdict comes. “I believe our student will get justice from the apex court. They will not be disappointed,” she said.

The Prime Minister expressed her concerns about the safety of the agitating young students, saying “The terrorists may 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,” she added.
 
Sheikh Hasina at the same time urged all to keep eyes, particularly, on the safety of the students of all educational institutions.
 
She said she believes that the terrorists have entered into the movement and they are creating conflicts and anarchy.
 
“Those involved in such incidents will be identified and punished accordingly,” she said.
 
The head of government declared to provide the necessary supports to the families of those who were killed.
 
“I unequivocally declare that appropriate punitive measures will be taken against them who have committed murder, looting and terrorist activities; whoever they are, will be punished,” she added.

The Prime Minister expressed her deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives in this unfortunate incident.

She mentioned that the government has appealed to the Supreme Court against the High Court verdict and a hearing date has been fixed in this regard.

She continued that the Court has created an opportunity of hearing the students if they have any point and there is an opportunity to resolve the issue through this legal process.

“Don't give the criminals the scope to create anarchy by coming down on streets as there is an opportunity to resolve this in legal process,” urged Sheikh Hasina.

“I specially request everyone to wait patiently till the verdict of Supreme Court comes. I believe our student will get justice from the highest court. They will not be disappointed,” she added.

The Prime Minister said that in 2018, the government issued a circular canceling the quota system in government jobs in response to the students’ movement.

Later, the High Court scrapped the 2018 circular to revive the quota system following an appeal on behalf of the freedom fighters, she said.

She continued that the government has appealed to the Supreme Court to uphold the circular and the Court has fixed a date for hearing.

At this time, she said, the students again started a movement with the demand of quota reform.

Sheikh Hasina said that the government has shown considerable patience and tolerance since the beginning of this movement, and the the police cooperated in ensuring the security of the protesters.

When the agitators expressed their desire to submit memorandums to the President, they were given an opportunity and security arrangements were also made for this, she said.

“Unfortunately, some vested interest groups started to deliver different types of speeches and carry out terrorist activities centering this movement to fulfil their ambitions,” she added.

The Prime Minister said it is a matter of great regret that some quarters took the opportunity of this movement to fulfill their unmet ambitions and engage in terrorist activities.

“So, all the events that have taken place centering the young students' movement are very painful and sad,” she added.

She said, “Some precious lives were lost unnecessarily. Who feels more than me the pain of losing the loved ones?”

“I pray for eternal peace of the departed souls and convey deepest sympathy to the members of the bereaved families. I condemn every killing,” she said.

The Prime Minister said all the incidents that happened were never desired.

In Chittagong, she said, terrorists brutally threw down students from the roof-top of a multi-storied building to kill them and cut the limbs of many students as well as assaulted them with sticks and sharp weapons, resulting in the death of one while many fought for life.

In Dhaka, Rangpur and Rajshahi universities, the Vice-Chancellors' residences and student halls were set on fire and vandalised, she said.

She continued that the common pedestrians, shopkeepers were attacked, even ambulances carrying patients were blocked.

Students in girls' dormitories are being attacked and assaulted, she said, adding that provosts have been threatened and assaulted in residential halls while the teachers were also assaulted.