BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Thursday accused the government of playing games over keeping the quotas in public jobs.

"In every country, there are some quotas for disadvantaged people... Among these, if the third generation of freedom fighters considers themselves disadvantaged, then we have nothing to say. Even then, a small quota can be kept, showing respect for freedom fighters," he said.

Speaking to reporters after several meetings at the BNP Chairperson's Gulshan office with their party's partners in simultaneous movement, the BNP leader said it is necessary to develop Bangladesh as a merit-based country to move forward.

"Does this illegal government want that? That's the question. Had they wanted it, they wouldn't have indulged in these games over quotas. They abolished it earlier. Now they're again talking about the court (for its reinstatement)," he said.

Khosru slammed the police for reportedly attacking quota protestors in different parts of the country, including Dhaka. "They have now started firing shots at the protesters. I heard some of them have been injured."

He lamented that the police are now attacking and assaulting the citizens of the next generation, who will lead Bangladesh in the future and build it with their intellect and merits.

The BNP leader said the government is least bothered about the issues of the common people and the students, as its focus is solely on the forces it needs to maintain power.

He also said the demands of the anti-quota protesters are justified, and their movement is democratic.

Earlier, Khosru and BNP Vice Chairman Barkatullah Bulu had separate meetings with leaders of Ganatantrik Bam Oikya, NDM, and a faction of Gonoforum. Khosru said they discussed with the leaders of the three parties how to strengthen the simultaneous movement.