After the student-led uprising on August 5 that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government, many Awami League leaders went into hiding or fled the country. While Sheikh Hasina sought refuge in India, questions arose about the whereabouts of Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader. For three months and five days after the uprising, he reportedly stayed in Bangladesh, trying to contact Sheikh Hasina and seeking refuge in India, but his efforts were unsuccessful. Sources suggest Sheikh Hasina was displeased with his controversial remark during the protests, where he stated, “Chhatra League alone is enough to stop the student movement.” Many believe this statement worsened the situation and played a role in the government’s fall.
On November 8, Obaidul Quader finally left the country, traveling to Kolkata via Shillong, Meghalaya. Reports indicate he lived safely in Kolkata and avoided Delhi. While some individuals lobbied with the Indian government on his behalf, Sheikh Hasina reportedly showed no interest in supporting him. In the days leading up to the government’s collapse, Obaidul Quader stopped speaking publicly, with insiders claiming he was instructed by party leadership to remain silent due to his earlier remarks. Unlike other leaders who issued statements post-collapse, Quader chose to stay quiet, adding to the mystery surrounding his situation.
As the Awami League’s general secretary for three terms, Quader built a strong faction within the party, which caused resentment among other leaders and activists. His frequent harsh comments about opposition parties also made him unpopular with the public, and social media was filled with jokes and criticism targeting him. With growing discontent both inside and outside the party, and his failed attempts to secure refuge in India, Obaidul Quader’s future in politics remains uncertain.
Source: Manab Zamin
