In a significant escalation, the government is increasing pressure on students protesting for quota reform, urging them to leave the streets and return to their classrooms.

According to insiders, the ruling Awami League is poised to take a strong political stance against the demonstrators, with stricter measures anticipated from Sunday, the first working day after the weekend.

Law enforcement has reportedly been instructed to use force if the protests continue to block roads on Sunday, sources within the ruling party revealed.

A high-level government meeting held last Thursday reviewed the ongoing situation.

Multiple sources indicate that while the government acknowledges the students' demands as reasonable and is considering reforms to the quota system, it views the continued protests despite the Supreme Court's order as abnormal and potentially disruptive.

Leaders within the Awami League believe that the protests should have ceased following the Supreme Court's order last Wednesday.

The persistence of the protests on Thursday has led policymakers to suspect that there may be attempts to destabilize the government through these demonstrations. Consequently, the government has decided to prevent further escalation of the protests at any cost.

Awami League Joint General Secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif commented, "We have shown enough patience. The issue of quota reform is a sub-judice matter, so the students should not overstep on the issue. If they try to jeopardize the country’s peace again, they will face legal actions."

Several ministers, speaking on the issue, confirmed that since July 1, students have been actively protesting for quota reform.

While the government has been patient and acknowledged the legitimacy of their demands, it is now planning to address the issue both administratively and politically.

On Thursday, at least four ministers addressed the media regarding the student protests, indicating a shift towards a tougher stance.

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader stated that the protesters were showing defiance against the highest court by continuing their demonstrations.

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan delivered a stern message, accusing the protesters of crossing acceptable limits.

Public Administration Minister Farhad Hossain and State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad A. Arafat urged students to refrain from activities that cause public inconvenience.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police announced that legal actions would be taken if the roadblocks continued.

Various government agencies are reportedly attempting to remove the protesters from the streets. The pro-government student organization, Chhatra League, has also become active, trying to persuade the students to return to their classes.

This effort will continue over the weekend, as the government prefers not to use force immediately. However, if protests persist on Sunday, law enforcement may resort to forceful measures.

On Thursday, for the first time, law enforcement tried to obstruct the protesters in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Cumilla, employing limited force. Chhatra League held a press conference at Dhaka University, urging students to resume their classes.

They also held a rally near Shahbagh while protesters were present, indicating coordination with the higher levels of the Awami League.

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, who had previously taken a lenient stance on the quota reform movement, adopted a more stringent position on Thursday.

In a press conference at the party's Dhanmondi office, he warned that the government would take legal action against any group attempting to create chaos and instability in the country.

Independent analysts say the government is now portraying the quota reform movement as being politically influenced.

The ruling party is employing strategies to create political pressure, though there is ongoing debate within the government and the party about the effectiveness and potential outcomes of these tactics, they say.

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