Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq commended anti-quota protesters for taking the positive step of appointing lawyers to represent them in the Supreme Court's Appellate Division.
Addressing journalists at his office in the Secretariat on Tuesday, law minister said that resolving the issue through legal means rather than street protests is the appropriate approach.
“Protests and shouting in the streets will not resolve this issue. The correct path is to present their arguments as parties in the case. The Appellate Division will hear everyone’s arguments and deliver justice accordingly,” said the law minister.
When asked about the government’s stance on the quota movement, Anisul Huq said, “The Prime Minister has stated that this is now in the hands of the Supreme Court. The court will make a decision after hearing from all sides,” he said.
Responding to concerns about public inconvenience caused by the protests, Huq mentioned, “I have heard that they have applied to become parties in the case, and there will be a hearing on this application tomorrow. I believe they are on the right path”.
The law minister pointed out that the protesters did not appoint lawyers to present their case when it was being heard in the High Court, which has now led to the matter being in the Appellate Division.
He welcomed the protesters’ decision to now take legal action, noting that it would avoid potential contempt of court. “By taking this step, the anti-quota protesters have shown a positive attitude. I welcome their decision to present their case in court. Since they have decided to take the legal route, they should withdraw their protests,” he added.
Addressing whether new parties can join the case, the minister explained, “There is a term called ‘intervener’. Anyone who is aggrieved can apply to become a party at any time by presenting a reasonable argument, and the court will consider it.”
