In a fervent appeal to the thousands of students blocking roads and disrupting daily life in the capital, Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader urged them to return to their educational institutions.

He affirmed the ruling party's commitment to abolishing the quota system in government jobs, aligning with the protesters' demands.

"Go back to your institutions instead of causing public suffering. We are advocating for the same cause you are protesting for. Our stance is clear and consistent; we have not wavered from our earlier position on the quota issue," Quader declared during a media briefing at the Awami League president's office in Dhanmondi.

His comments followed a Supreme Court decision to maintain the status quo for four weeks on the High Court's order to reinstate the quota system in government jobs.

The court will make a "realistic decision," Quader said, emphasizing the finality of the court’s ruling. "I request the students to return to their educational institutions and avoid any programmes that cause public suffering, as per the court's directive."

"The highest court will decide on the quota issue. It is known that in the final hearing in August, the court will make a decision considering the students' demands," Quader added.

Responding to questions about the government's alternative plan to address the protests if students don’t return to classrooms, Quader was cautious. "Let’s observe whether they follow the court's directive and return. It would not be appropriate to comment on what will be done if they do not return at this moment."

In response to student protests, the government had issued a circular on October 4, 2018, abolishing all quotas in first and second-class government jobs.

Recently, the High Court declared the decision to abolish the freedom fighter quota illegal, following a writ petition, igniting new protests.

Under the banner of the 'Anti-Discrimination Student Movement,' students and job seekers began blocking roads in various areas, including Dhaka, starting Wednesday morning. They have named this program 'Bangla Blockade.'

The blockade has caused severe traffic congestion, significantly inconveniencing residents of the capital. However, the protesters insist their movement will continue until the quota system is reformed by law.

They demand the abolition of all quotas in all grades of government jobs, except for a maximum of 5% quota for underprivileged communities.

Addressing the ongoing protests by teachers of public universities across the country, who are demanding the abolition of the Universal Pension Scheme, Quader said, "We are in communication with the university teachers. We are monitoring the situation, and the problem will be resolved soon."

Spreading 'False Information' About the Prime Minister's Return from China

Obaidul Quader also commented on what he described as 'false information' being spread about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's early return from her visit to China.

"The Prime Minister has completed all her programs. She was supposed to stay overnight in Beijing, but she will return home tonight instead because her daughter, Saima Wazed, is in the country and is somewhat unwell. Therefore, the Prime Minister is returning home tonight," Quader said.

The ruling party leader accused some individuals of spreading 'false and misleading information' about this matter.

Among others, Awami League's organizing secretary BM Mozammel Haque, SM Kamal Hossain, Afzal Hossain, office secretary Biplab Barua, deputy office secretary Sayem Khan, and executive member Sahabuddin Farazi were present at the press conference.

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