‘Blessing in disguise': Why Awami League's Obaidul Quader sees opening in Bangladesh turmoil
Obaidul Quader, general secretary of the Awami League and a senior cabinet member of the erstwhile Sheikh Hasina government, has largely remained out of public eye in the 10 months since the political upheaval and regime change in Bangladesh.On August 5 last year, the day Hasina had to give up power and hastily leave for India, Quader found himself hiding in a toilet for nearly five hours as protesters stormed Awami League offices across Dhaka. Eventually discovered by demonstrators sympathetic to his plight, he was smuggled out in protesters' clothing.advertisementIn a candid and revealing interview from an undisclosed location, Quader shared with INDIA TODAY the events of that fateful day, the current state of affairs in Bangladesh under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus and his vision for the Awami League. While reflecting on past missteps and the party's road ahead, he also issued a sharp critique of the present regime—particularly the alleged influence of fundamentalist elements—while defending the military's call for elections and clarifying his own role during the July 2024 uprising.Q. It has been nearly a year since the Awami League was ousted from power. Bangladesh now appears mired in a new wave of uncertainty. How do you interpret the current situation?
A. I consider this a blessing in disguise. It presents an opportunity—one that could evolve into something much larger, perhaps explosive. The people of Bangladesh are beginning to recognise that their lives were markedly better under Sheikh Hasina's leadership. They are now drawing comparisons between the present regime under Muhammad Yunus and the governance we provided. Shockingly, fundamentalists call the shot in this government. Even the Bangladesh Nationalist Party seems disillusioned with the interim government. I believe this growing discontent could very well culminate in an organised agitation.advertisementQ. Given that the Awami League has been proscribed, do you still view this as an opening for your party?A. Absolutely. We shall overcome these restrictions and re-emerge with renewed purpose. For us, it is not merely a question of regaining power; it is about defending the nation's core interests and the wellbeing of its people. The Awami League cannot simply be expunged from the collective consciousness of Bangladesh—we embody the spirit of the Liberation War and the legacy of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. We have made mistakes in the past—there have been missteps. But we are willing to acknowledge them. If we must seek people's forgiveness, we shall do so unreservedly. The party today is purged of all sins.Q. Many within your party label Bangladesh army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman a traitor. Do you share that sentiment?A. No, I do not. The military in Bangladesh is not as politically entrenched as it is in Pakistan. Moreover, during her rule, Sheikh Hasina extended full support to the armed forces, ensuring significant improvements in their infrastructure and capabilities. It is often the case that the military may articulate certain positions, but finds itself unable to act decisively upon them. That said, we are not interested in dwelling on the past. Our focus is firmly on the future. Our leader shares this perspective. At present, the army is calling for elections—and we see nothing wrong with that demand.advertisementQ. There are serious allegations that you personally ordered the Chhatra League to suppress the July 2024 uprising.A. These accusations are categorically false. I was not in a position to issue such directives to the Chhatra League (student wing of Awami League). Some have even gone so far as to accuse me of murder—when I have not harmed so much as an ant in my life. However, when I witnessed attacks on our party offices and members, what was I to do? As general secretary of the party, was I expected to sit idle? I did what was necessary—I resisted. That is all.The initial protests were centred around the anti-quota movement, led primarily by students. However, over time, foreign actors became involved, manipulating the demonstrators. Many of the constituents—labourers, farmers, rickshaw-pullers and daily wagers—were either misled or incentivised financially. And now, we see the interim government moving to sell off our national assets. The people are beginning to see the consequences.advertisementQ. What really happened on August 5, 2024?A. By now, the events of that day are widely known. What I can share is that I remained in Bangladesh, in hiding, for three months following the departure of our prime minister, who was compelled to flee the country. That said, I would like to emphasise once again that the Awami League is focused on the future. Our primary objective is to safeguard the interests of Bangladesh and its people. We acknowledge that errors were made, and we are prepared to seek forgiveness where necessary. However, for the sake of the nation's stability and democratic integrity, and to keep fundamentalists at bay, the interim government must step down.Subscribe to India Today Magazine
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