[🇧🇩] Banning Awami League, Chhatra League and Jubo League

[Saif]

AL, allies should be banned for aiding Hasina

Sarjis Alam, chief organiser of Jatiya Nagorik Committee, yesterday said if Sheikh Hasina was the mastermind behind the July killings, then the Awami League and its associate bodies should also be banned for aiding her in committing the crimes.

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AL, allies should be banned for aiding Hasina

Sarjis Alam, chief organiser of Jatiya Nagorik Committee, yesterday said if Sheikh Hasina was the mastermind behind the July killings, then the Awami League and its associate bodies should also be banned for aiding her in committing the crimes.

He said there is a difference between AL as a party, Hasina as an individual, and the voters.

"We cannot hold voters accountable for the crimes of the party. However, the registration of the Awami League as a political party must be completely revoked," he said while speaking to journalists after a dialogue hosted by the Jatiya Nagorik Committee at the BIISS auditorium.

He said there might be 25 to 30 percent of people in the country who were "silent" voters of Awami League.

"Among them, those involved in wrongdoing, abuse of power, murder, enforced disappearances, or similar crimes should be held accountable. They should not have the right to engage in politics in Bangladesh," he added.

Regarding those voters who were not involved in any wrongdoing, he said their fate should be decided by the people, especially if they seek forgiveness for the crimes committed by Hasina and AL.

Sarjis said they expect to announce their new party within the next week. Regarding AL's hartal (strike) programme, Sarjis said, "It is irrelevant to discuss the strike of a party that no longer exists."​

 

[Saif]

AL must be eradicated, not just banned

Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain yesterday said the Awami League must be eradicated politically and ideologically from Bangladesh.

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AL must be eradicated, not just banned
Says Adviser Asif Mahmud

Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan. File photo

Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain yesterday said the Awami League must be eradicated politically and ideologically from Bangladesh.

He said this must be done through a ban following legal and social processes, such as a truth commission or precedents from other countries.

"The Awami League should not only be banned but also politically eradicated from Bangladesh. This is my personal stance. Now, discussion may take place on how it will be implemented. There are precedents of this in various countries," he wrote in a Facebook post yesterday.

"I have seen my brothers martyred by their [AL men] firing before my eyes. I have been a victim of disappearance; I have seen death up close. It is impossible to even think of the political rehabilitation of Awami League," Asif stated.
He also clarified the statement he made yesterday on allowing AL men to participate in polls.

"As I did not elaborate... my statement may not have been conveyed clearly. Some media outlets have also presented my statement differently. Here [in the statement], it was not said to allow Awami League to participate in elections. That question is irrelevant before a trial," he said.

The adviser also emphasised the need for finding a permanent solution to this issue.

"If we don't do so, the Awami League will find a way to return to power today or tomorrow. The Awami League had banned Jamaat-e-Islami, but did that stop Jamaat's politics?"

Asif called for an "integrated process" to ensure AL's eradication, noting that the party still has a large number of beneficiaries.

He also said many who had some connection or other with AL ask why they should apologise if they have done nothing wrong. "Of course, they must apologise for their involvement with Awami League 'as a fascist enabler or a beneficiary' in any given form. This process must be completed transparently and in phases."​

 

[Saif]

'No plan to ban Awami League'

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said that the interim government has no plans to ban the Awami League, but individuals within its leadership accused of crimes, including murder and crimes against humanity, will be tried in Bangladeshi courts.

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'No plan to ban Awami League'
Yunus tells Crisis Group; 'regime leaders to face trial here'

File photo: STAR

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said that the interim government has no plans to ban the Awami League, but individuals within its leadership accused of crimes, including murder and crimes against humanity, will be tried in Bangladeshi courts.

He said the government has not ruled out referring AL leaders to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, following a UN fact-finding mission that reported potential crimes during the July uprising. "It is very much on the table."

Speaking with a delegation from the International Crisis Group led by its President Comfort Ero at the state guesthouse Jamuna yesterday, the chief adviser said the interim government has vowed to hold elections on schedule, and not delay the vote for any demands.

He also confirmed that the government has set two possible timelines for the elections. He assured the group the dates would not change, said a press release from the chief adviser's press wing.

Yunus explained that if political parties seek a limited number of reforms prior to polls, then the elections will be held in December. If a larger reform package is desired, then elections will take place by June next year.

"We have no reason to change the election dates," he added, emphasising that the upcoming elections will be free and fair.

He also shared that the Consensus Building Commission began talks with political parties yesterday. He said there are plans to finalise and sign the July Charter, which will guide the government's policies.

The International Crisis Group officials praised the arrest of Rohingya insurgent leader Ataullah this week, calling it a sign of the government's commitment to peace and stability in the refugee camps.

They also stressed the need for increased engagement with the Arakan Army, which controls much of Rakhine state in Myanmar. Prof Yunus noted that Dhaka is working to mobilise aid for Rohingya refugees and hopes the upcoming special UN conference on the Rohingya crisis will draw global attention to the issue.

Ero expressed her group's support for Bangladesh in countering misinformation targeting the country and its government.

Prof Yunus concluded by expressing Bangladesh's desire for strong relations with India, though he lamented that much of the misinformation campaign against Bangladesh has originated from Indian media.​

 

[Saif]

https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/dhaka/376859/hasnat%E2%80%99s-midnight-statement-fuels-fresh-demands-to

Hasnat’s post fuels fresh demands for Awami League ban
'Today, if I once again have your support and find you standing by my side on the streets, we will be able to resist this Indian conspiracy to rehabilitate the Awami League,' says Hasnat Abdullah

Hasnat Abdullah. Photo: Collected

Publish : 21 Mar 2025, 11:12 AMUpdate : 21 Mar 2025, 11:12 AM

In a bombshell Facebook post late on Thursday night that instantly went viral, Hasnat Abdullah, one of the key leaders of the uprising that overthrew Sheikh Hasina and now the chief organiser (South) of the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), alleged that under India's guidance, a plot is being hatched to rehabilitate the ousted Awami League.

In the post, Hasnat revealed details of a key meeting held at the Cantonment on March 11, between himself and two others from NCP with presumably military leadership, where a proposal was put forward to them to bring back the AL to mainstream politics.

Hasnat wrote regarding it: "On 11 March, at 2:30pm, this plan was presented to me and two others at the Cantonment. It was proposed that in exchange for negotiated seat sharing (at the next election), we should accept this offer. We were told that the same proposal was put forward to multiple political parties and subject to certain conditions, they had agreed to the rehabilitation of the Awami League. It was suggested that having multiple opposition parties alongside a weak Awami League would be better than just one opposition party. As a result, over the past two days, you will notice that many politicians in the media have been speaking in favour of the Awami League."

He said the move was being orchestrated by India and the plan was to have ex-MP Saber Hossain Chowdhury, ex-speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury and ex-mayor of Dhaka South Fazle Noor Taposh as the faces of what would amount to a "Refined Awami League".

Hasnat continue: "We were further told that from April-May onwards, this 'Refined Awami League,' would start admitting to the crimes of the Sheikh family, reject Hasina and promise to reestablish the Awami League of Bangabandhu in front of the public."

Hasnat said that they immediately rejected the proposal and informed their interlocutors that instead of rehabilitating the Awami League, they should be working towards bringing them to justice.

"In response, we were told that if we object to the return of the Awami League, we would be responsible for the crisis it creates in the country and that 'Awami League must come back' act," he added.

Hasnat further wrote' "At one stage of the discussion, I asked, 'How can you forgive a party that has not yet apologised or confessed to its crimes?' Angrily, the other side responded, 'You people know nothing. You lack wisdom and experience. We have been in this service for at least forty years, longer than you’ve been alive. Moreover, without the Awami League, there can be no 'inclusive' election.'"

Hasnat said they didn’t compromise, instead telling the other party: "There can be no inclusivity with the Awami League. If the Awami League is to return, it will be over our dead bodies. If an attempt is made to bring back the Awami League, you will be responsible for the crisis that will arise."

The meeting then wrapped up with the issue left unresolved.

Hasnat went on to write that during the July-August movement last year, they also received various proposals but instead of listening to any of them, they put their faith in the people, and with their support, brought about the downfall of Awami League.

He said that resisting any pressure from the Cantonment, they would like to do so again today, on the question of banning Awami League, on which he said there could be no compromise.

"Today, if I again have your support, if I find you by my side on the streets, we will once again be able to reject this Indian conspiracy of rehabilitating the Awami League," he wrote.

Hasnat’s post sparked an immediate reaction, as a group of Dhaka University students held a march on the campus in the early hours of Friday, demanding the ban of Awami League.

They also announced to reconvene in front of the Raju Sculpture on Friday afternoon to press home their demand.

Meanwhile Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Dr ShafIqur Rahman, in an early morning post on Friday on his verified Facebook page, seemed to add his voice to Hasnat’s in this regard for the first time, with a statement titled “The public will not accept the rehabilitation of the Awami League.”

Without calling directly for the Awami League to be banned, he emphasised bringing them to justice as the number one priority in front of the nation right now.

He urged all sides to remain united in this goal.​

 

[Saif]

DU students protest at midnight to demand ban on Awami League

A group of students have staged a late-night protest march at Dhaka University to demand the withdrawal of the chief advisor's statement on banning the Awami League, in addition to reiterating their previous demand to ban the ousted political party. They have also called a protest rally at 3pm on

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

DU students protest at midnight to demand ban on Awami League
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Mar 21, 2025 12:13
Updated :
Mar 21, 2025 12:13

A group of students have staged a late-night protest march at Dhaka University to demand the withdrawal of the chief advisor's statement on banning the Awami League, in addition to reiterating their previous demand to ban the ousted political party.

They have also called a protest rally at 3pm on Friday at the base of the university’s Raju Memorial Sculpture to press for the same demand.

Around 1:30am on Thursday, a group of students took out a procession from the university’s residential hall area, reports bdnews24.com.

The procession circled the courtyard in front of the Vice Chancellor's Office and ended at the base of the Raju sculpture. There, the protesters lit fires and staged a demonstration before holding a brief rally.

On Thursday, during a discussion at the state guesthouse Jamuna with a delegation led by Comfort Ero, the president and CEO of the International Crisis Group, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus said that the interim government has no plans to ban the Awami League.

However, he mentioned that leaders of the party who are accused of murder and crimes against humanity would face trials in court.

AB Jobayer, a student of the Islamic Studies Department, said at the protest rally: “We have confidence in the chief advisor. However, various individuals around him, including different ‘agencies,’ are creating obstacles for him.”

“The Awami League must be banned immediately for its role in genocide. Until the decision to ban the Awami League is finalised, the students and the people will remain on the streets. We will not betray the blood of the martyrs,” he declared.

“A referendum should be organised regarding the ban on the Awami League. The people of the country do not want the Awami League to return. The people of Bangladesh are with you (the chief advisor).”

Addressing the chief advisor, he said: “Withdraw your statement immediately. There will be no elections until Awami League is banned.”

Mosaddek Ali Ibn Mohammad, a student of the Department of Bangla, said at the rally: "Different political parties are rehabilitating the Awami League using different methods. The people decided to ban the Awami League on Aug 5.”

“It is either the Awami League or the student community. As long as there is a single drop of blood in our veins, we will not allow the Awami League to continue in politics,” he declared.

He also called on students from schools, colleges, and universities to take to the streets in solidarity with their demands.​

 

[Saif]

Protests led by NCP and student leaders at multiple public universities, including DU, demand AL ban

The protest comes after Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus yesterday (20 March) told the International Crisis Group that the interim government has no plan to ban the AL

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Protests led by NCP and student leaders at multiple public universities, including DU, demand AL ban

The protest comes after Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus yesterday (20 March) told the International Crisis Group that the interim government has no plan to ban the AL.

The Inqilab Manch brought out a protest procession at Dhaka University on 21 March 2025. Photo: Focus Bangla

Protests, led by leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and various student organisations, erupted across the country demanding the ban of Awami League today (21 March).

Besides, they strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza.

The development comes after Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus yesterday (20 March) told the International Crisis Group that the interim government has no plan to ban the AL.

The CA, however, said AL leaders accused of crimes, including murder and crimes against humanity, will be tried in Bangladeshi courts and could be referred to the International Criminal Court.

Later, in a Facebook post last night, NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah alleged that a plan is being hatched by India "to bring back Refined Awami League" last night.

He claimed that he and two others were presented with a plan to rehabilitate the ousted Awami League party during a meeting at the Cantonment on 11 March.

If we want to hold elections with the Awami League, there will be a flood of blood in Bangladesh. I swear by the blood of more than 2,000 martyrs and thousands of injured, we will not let the Awami League rehabilitate as long as we have a single drop of blood in our bodies. Awami League means murderers---Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman bin Hadi.

Amid the developments, students from several universities brought out protests last night demanding a ban on the AL.

Later, after the Jumma prayer today (21 March), students and the public, led by leaders of NCP, SAD and other student organisations, from Dhaka University (DU), Jahangirnagar University (JU), Rajshahi University (RU) and Islamic University (IU) held protests in their respective campuses.

DU

At Dhaka University, the Inqilab Manch, a cultural organisation formed by students-public who partook in the July-August uprising, and the Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad, a new organisation formed by leaders of the Students Against Discrimination (SAD), brought out protest processions in the afternoon.

The protesters demanded a ban on the AL and justice for the July-August uprising killings.

They also demanded the withdrawal of the statement of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus where he said the government does not have any plan to ban the AL.

They started the protest procession from the Central Mosque of Dhaka University after Friday prayers. In addition, students will hold a protest procession from Dhaka University's Halpara at 3 pm with the same demand.

The procession of Inquilab Manch from the Central Mosque passed through the university's Madhur Canteen, Surja Sen Hall, and VC Square and ended near the Raju Memorial Sculpture. On the other hand, the procession of the Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad went towards the Central Mosque via Madhur Canteen, Halpara and the Raju Memorial Sculpture.

The students participating in the programmes chanted various slogans demanding the ban of the Awami League. Along with this, they were seen raising various slogans in protest against the Israeli attack in violation of the ceasefire agreement in Palestine.

They were seen raising slogans like 'We want the trial of Awami League', 'Let's light a fire together on the Awami League's chairs, 'Catch each league, throw them in jail one by one', 'Yunus Saheb's statement should be withdrawn', 'We want justice for genocide', 'We must ban Awami League immediately', 'Break and crush the venomous fangs of Awami League', 'The call of martyrs is being given, Awami League should be destroyed' etc.

Speaking on the occasion, Inqilab Mancha spokesperson Sharif Osman bin Hadi said, "We have to stand against Israel, and India -the Israel of [Southeast] Asia."

He said, 'If we want to hold elections with the Awami League, there will be a flood of blood in Bangladesh. I swear by the blood of more than 2,000 martyrs and thousands of injured, we will not let the Awami League rehabilitate as long as we have a single drop of blood in our bodies. Awami League means murderers.'

Hadi said, 'If we allow the Awami League to hold elections, the Awami League will be in power for two and a half to three years. Then, with the help of India, the Awami League will conspire to seize power. Then, it will again unleash hellish violence in the country."

Earlier, at 1:30am on Thursday, students held a protest march demanding the withdrawal of the chief advisor's statement that the govt has no plan to ban AL.

JU

At JU, students brought out protests demanding the ban on the former ruling party, led by ousted premier Sheikh Hasina at around 2:00pm.

Students brought out protests at the Jahangirnagar University premises on 21 March 2025. Photo: TBS

They criticised Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus' yesterday's comment to the International Crisis Group, where he said that the interim government does not plan to ban the Awami League.

During the protest at JU, students were heard chanting various slogans, including, "No place of AL in our Sonar Bangla', 'AL must be banned immediately', 'Be careful Hasina's friends', 'General Walker, be careful," and "Ban Ban, Murderer League".

In a brief rally, Touhid Mohammad Siam, a student of the International Relations Department and joint member secretary of the NCP, said, "Nothing else is needed to ban the fascist party that has committed multiple genocides in this country. On 5 August, the students of Bangladesh rejected the Awami League by sending Sheikh Hasina away. I want to tell the interim govt, that if you try to bring back the Awami League, you have seen in '24 how dangerous the students can be."

Addressing the army, he said, "If you want to follow the prescription of any agency outside Dhaka, we will not leave you alone."

The student leader also alleged that the army was involved in "shooting students in Muhammadpur on 19 July and 3 August 2024" during the uprising.

"We have not forgotten how Waker Sahed gave Sheikh Hasina a safe exit on 5 August. We will judge everything. If you create any obstacles in the matter of banning the Awami League, if you intimidate the student leaders, then we will send you on the same path that your relatives have taken. The Awami League cannot be allowed to conduct any more election or political activities in Bengal," he said.

JU Shibir's General Secretary Mostafizur Rahman, said, "Allowing Awami League to continue doing politics in this country means disloyalty to the blood of martyrs."

"We want to make it very clear that Awami League politics will not continue in Bangladesh as long as there is a drop of blood in our body," he added.

Addressing the chief adviser, he said, "This country will not run on any prescription from Kachukhet, Moghbazar, Paltan, Washington or Delhi. You have not been placed on the chair to run this country on [General] Waker's prescription. We will not leave the streets until Awami League is banned."

Addressing Army Chief General Waker-uz-Zaman, JU branch convener of Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad Arifuzzaman Ujjal said, "The throne that Hasina had built in 16 years was destroyed by the people of the country in just 36 days. If you try to rehabilitate the Awami League by going against the verdict of the people, we will be forced to go against you."

Addressing political parties, student Abdur Rashid Jitu said, "The students will decide whether Awami League politics will continue in this country or not. No political party will take this decision… Whoever tries to bring Awami League back, then our war will be against that person, that political party.

RU

At RU, a crowd of students and the public brought out a procession demanding the ban of AL and justice for the July uprising massacre after the Jummah prayer.

A crowd of students and the public brought out a procession after the Jummah prayer in Rajshahi on 21 March 2025. Photo: TBS

They brought out a procession from the Zoha Square, which ended at Talaimari after making rounds through the main gate along the Dhaka-Rajshahi highway.

At the end of the rally, speakers at a short rally.

Speaking at the occasion, Salauddin Ammar, former SAD coordinator of Rajshahi University, said, "Awami League will not be allowed to do politics on the grounds of Bangla. If Awami League wants to return here, it will have to return the lives of more than 2,000 martyred brothers, the hands and feet of 22,000 injured and crippled people, the eyes of the blind, and the limbs of the maimed brothers and sisters."

"The lives of all the people who were killed and disappeared during the fascist Awami League regime in the last 15 years must be returned. Then the people of this country will decide whether the Awami League will do politics in Bangladesh or not," he added.

He also said, "No one who tries to rehabilitate AL will be spared, be it the army's cantonment or any big army official, or any friend of the Awami League. We have not forgotten July, if we have to go down like July again, then we will go down on the Awami League issue, regardless of party affiliation."

IU

At IU, students, led by SAD, have been holding a sit-in programme since early dawn demanding AL's ban following allegations of AL's rehabilitations brought by Hasnat Abdullah in a Facebook post last night.

The sit-in programme was started under the leadership of SM Sweet, coordinator of the IU branch of SAD. SAD co-coordinators Nahid Hasan, Tanvir Mondal, Yashirul Kabir, Ismail Rahat, other members of the coordinating council and students were present at the time.

Speaking at the protest programme, one of the protesters said "As a result of the long 36-day-long movement, we have got a new Bangladesh. The first task of the government that came to power through the blood sacrifices of the dead and the cries of the wounded was to prosecute the Awami fascists —but the government did not do so.

"We condemn those who are trying to rehabilitate Awami fascism and say that there can be no 'inclusive' election without the Awami League."

Another student said, "The student-public will not accept any rehabilitation of the Awami League. If such a thing happens, we will mount a tough movement. We have been on the streets, are, and will be—we want the Awami League completely banned and we must do so."

Chattogram

Leaders of NCP and the Bangladesh Gonotantrik Chhatra Sangsad in Chattogram today brought out a procession reiterating their demand for the Awami League to be officially banned and its leaders to be brought to justice.

The protest rally was held at the New Market Intersection in the port city.

They warned against any attempt to rehabilitate the AL under foreign influence, particularly from India.

Protesters also urged the government to take a strong stand against Israeli aggression in Gaza.

Speaking at the rally, NCP Organiser (Northern Region) Russel Ahmed expressed frustration over the government's inaction, stating, "It has been six to seven months, yet the AL has not been officially banned.

"We will move forward with a democratic election for the future of Bangladesh, but if anyone tries to rehabilitate the AL, they should know that the path to ultimate liberation is through sacrifice. If necessary, more people will become martyrs like Abu Sayeed, but we will never allow the AL to be reinstated," he added.

He also criticised the role of the Bangladesh Army.

Meanwhile, Chhatra Sangsad Joint Convener Khan Talat Mahmud, reinforced that the AL's ban had already taken place on 5 August, stating, "Now, only the official declaration remains. If the AL is rehabilitated, the July movement will rise again.

"India's prescriptions will not work in Bangladesh. Every political party must make its stance on the AL clear," he added.​

 

[Saif]

GM Quader opposes banning Awami League

Accuses the current interim government of encouraging political malpractice and corruption

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GM Quader opposes banning Awami League

Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader has opposed the demand to ban the Awami League, saying that the individuals within the party may be corrupt, but the party itself should not be held responsible.

"We are not in favour of banning the Awami League. A party is like a vehicle -- its driver may be bad, but that does not mean the vehicle itself is bad," Quader said while speaking to journalists at his residence in Rangpur's Senpara area today.

Quader strongly criticised the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, accusing her of authoritarian rule.

"We have witnessed Hasina's fascism. She held elections forcefully by excluding half of the population. She compelled some to participate while forcibly sidelining others. A credible election cannot be held by excluding a significant portion of the population.

"This will not bring stability to the country but will push it towards conflict and disaster," he warned.

He alleged that a corruption case was filed against him as a retaliation for his criticism of the government. "If you cannot govern, let someone else take responsibility. Since I pointed out the government's failures, they considered me a threat and filed a corruption case against me," Quader said.

The Jatiya Party chairman defended his tenure as a minister, stating that despite thorough scrutiny, no corruption was found during his service in the commerce and aviation ministries.

"After I did not participate in the 2014 election, Hasina deployed all agencies to find corruption against me. They found nothing. But now, they claim my corruption involves taking Tk 2,000–5,000 for nominations and positions. This is their way of silencing me," he asserted.

Quader accused the current interim government of encouraging political malpractice and corruption.

"Some close associates of the interim government are promoting acts disguised as politics but are actually plundering. The police force has been demoralised and rendered ineffective. The Anti-Corruption Commission and the judiciary are being misused. Several institutions have been destroyed, and rebuilding them will not be easy," he cautioned.

Jatiya Party leaders, including Presidium Member SM Yasir, Metropolitan Senior Vice-President Lokman Hossain, Vice-President Zahidul Islam, and District Chhatra Samaj convener Ariful Islam, were present at the time.​

 

[Saif]

আওয়ামী লীগ বিদেশ থেকে আসা ‘প্রতিস্থাপিত শক্তি’: মাহফুজ আলম

আওয়ামী লীগ কোনো দেশীয় শক্তি নয়, বরং এটি মূলত বিদেশ থেকে আসা একটি ‘প্রতিস্থাপিত শক্তি’ বলে মন্তব্য করেছেন তথ্য ও সম্প্রচার উপদেষ্টা মাহফুজ আলম।

bangla.thedailystar.net

আওয়ামী লীগ বিদেশ থেকে আসা ‘প্রতিস্থাপিত শক্তি’: মাহফুজ আলম

ছবি: বাসস

আওয়ামী লীগ কোনো দেশীয় শক্তি নয়, বরং এটি মূলত বিদেশ থেকে আসা একটি 'প্রতিস্থাপিত শক্তি' বলে মন্তব্য করেছেন তথ্য ও সম্প্রচার উপদেষ্টা মাহফুজ আলম।

তিনি বলেন, 'আওয়ামী লীগ কোনো দেশীয় শক্তি নয়...বরং এটি মূলত বিদেশ থেকে সংগৃহীত একটি শক্তি। এর সুতা দিল্লিতে ধরা হয়, আর ঘুড়ি ওড়ে বাংলাদেশে। এই ঘুড়ি আর বাংলাদেশে উড়তে দেওয়া হবে না।"

ছাত্র-নেতৃত্বাধীন গণঅভ্যুত্থানের শহীদ ও আহতদের স্মরণে শুক্রবার রাজধানীর নোফেল সোসাইটি আয়োজিত আলোচনা ও ইফতার অনুষ্ঠানে তিনি এ কথা বলেন।

মাহফুজ বলেন, 'যখনই আওয়ামী লীগ সুযোগ পাবে, তখন অবশ্যই তা দেশের সাধারণ মানুষের আকাঙ্ক্ষার বিরুদ্ধে যাবে।'

তিনি বলেন, 'আমরা আওয়ামী ফ্যাসিবাদের বিরুদ্ধে জয় লাভ করেছি। আমাদের মনে রাখতে হবে যে, আমরা যে জয় অর্জন করেছি, তা রাজনৈতিক ও ঐক্যবদ্ধ লড়াইয়ের মাধ্যমে অর্জিত হয়েছে। যদি আমরা ঐক্য বজায় না রাখি এবং রাজনৈতিকভাবে লড়াই চালিয়ে না যাই, তাহলে আওয়ামী লীগ আবার ফিরে আসবে।'

নির্বাচন সম্পর্কে মন্তব্য করতে গিয়ে মাহফুজ বলেন, নির্বাচন নির্ধারিত সময়েই ডিসেম্বরে অনুষ্ঠিত হবে এবং সবাইকে প্রস্তুতি নেওয়ার আহ্বান জানান।

মাহফুজ বলেন, 'প্রধান উপদেষ্টা মুহাম্মদ ইউনূস বলেছেন যে, নির্বাচন যথা সময়ে অনুষ্ঠিত হবে। এটি এই বছরের শেষের দিকে, ডিসেম্বরে হওয়ার কথা রয়েছে। ইতোমধ্যেই একটি সময়সীমা নির্ধারণ করা হয়েছে এবং সেই সময়সীমার মধ্যেই নির্বাচন অনুষ্ঠিত হবে। সবারই এর জন্য প্রস্তুতি শুরু করা উচিত।'

তিনি আশা প্রকাশ করেন যে, রাজনৈতিক দলগুলো যদি দায়িত্বশীলভাবে কাজ করে, নাশকতা বন্ধ করে এবং রাষ্ট্রীয় সংস্থাগুলো যথাযথভাবে সহযোগিতা করে, তাহলে সঠিক সময়ে নির্বাচন অনুষ্ঠিত হবে।​

 

[Saif]

আওয়ামী লীগকে রাজনীতিতে ফেরানোর যেকোনো প্রচেষ্টা এনসিপি প্রতিহত করবে: নাহিদ ইসলাম

বিচার, অনুশোচনা, পাপমোচন ছাড়া আওয়ামী লীগের পক্ষে যেকোনো তৎপরতা ফ্যাসিস্ট পুনর্বাসনের শামিল বলে মন্তব্য করেছেন জাতীয় নাগরিক পার্টির (এনসিপি) আহ্বায়ক নাহিদ ইসলাম।

bangla.thedailystar.net

আওয়ামী লীগকে রাজনীতিতে ফেরানোর যেকোনো প্রচেষ্টা এনসিপি প্রতিহত করবে: নাহিদ ইসলাম

সংবাদ সম্মেলনে কথা বলেন নাহিদ ইসলাম। ছবি: সংগৃহীত

বিচার, অনুশোচনা, পাপমোচন ছাড়া আওয়ামী লীগের পক্ষে যেকোনো তৎপরতা ফ্যাসিস্ট পুনর্বাসনের শামিল বলে মন্তব্য করেছেন জাতীয় নাগরিক পার্টির (এনসিপি) আহ্বায়ক নাহিদ ইসলাম।

আজ শুক্রবার সন্ধ্যায় রাজধানীর রূপায়ন টাওয়ারে দলটির এক সংবাদ সম্মেলনে তিনি এ কথা বলেন।

লিখিত বক্তব্যে নাহিদ ইসলাম বলেন, 'আমরা অত্যন্ত উদ্বেগ ও ক্ষোভের সাথে লক্ষ্য করছি যে ছাত্র-নাগরিক অভ্যুত্থানের সাত মাস অতিবাহিত হলেও গণহত্যাকারী শেখ হাসিনাসহ আওয়ামী লীগের খুনিদের বিচারে দৃশ্যমান কোনো অগ্রগতি হয়নি। সম্প্রতি জাতিসংঘের মানবাধিকার বিষয়ক কমিশনের প্রতিবেদনে সুস্পষ্টভাবে বলা হয়েছে, জুলাই মাসে বাংলাদেশে সংঘটিত অপরাধ আন্তর্জাতিক অপরাধের শামিল।'

তিনি বলেন, 'আওয়ামী লীগের মানবতাবিরোধী অপরাধের এত সুস্পষ্ট আন্তর্জাতিক বক্তব্য থাকার পরেও বিচারিক প্রক্রিয়ার ধীরগতি অত্যন্ত নিন্দনীয়। জাতীয় নাগরিক পার্টি এনসিপি অবিলম্বে জুলাই গণহত্যাসহ বিগত ফ্যাসিবাদী রেজিমে সংঘটিত গুম ও বিচারবহির্ভূত হত্যাকাণ্ডের বিচারে দৃশ্যমান অগ্রগতি দেখতে চায়।'

আওয়ামী লীগ নিষিদ্ধের পরিকল্পনা অন্তর্বর্তী সরকারের নেই—প্রধান উপদেষ্টার এমন বক্তব্যের নিন্দা জানিয়ে নাহিদ ইসলাম বলেন, 'আওয়ামী লীগ কর্তৃক সংগঠিত পিলখানা হত্যাকাণ্ড, শাপলা হত্যাকাণ্ড, আগ্রাসনবিরোধী আন্দোলনে হত্যাকাণ্ড, গুম, ক্রসফায়ার, ভোট ডাকাতিসহ জুলাই হত্যাকাণ্ডের বিচার প্রশ্নে কার্যকর অগ্রগতি দৃশ্যমান হওয়ার আগে রাষ্ট্রের দায়িত্বশীল পথ থেকে এ ধরনের বক্তব্য অনাকাঙ্ক্ষিত।'

'এনসিপি মনে করে বিচারিক কার্যক্রমের পরিণতি দৃশ্যমান হতে হবে। আত্মপ্রকাশের পর থেকে আমরা দ্ব্যর্থহীনভাবে বলেছি অপরাধের বিচার, দায়স্বীকার, অনুশোচনা, পাপমোচন ছাড়া আওয়ামী লীগের দল হিসেবে ক্রিয়াশীল থাকার পক্ষে যেকোন ধরনের তৎপরতা ফ্যাসিস্টদের পুনর্বাসনের শামিল,' যোগ করেন তিনি।

নাহিদ আরও বলেন, 'এনসিপি জুলাই গণহত্যাসহ বিগত ফ্যাসিবাদী রেজিমে সংঘটিত অপরাপর গণহত্যা ও মানবতাবিরোধী অপরাধের বিচারের নিশ্চয়তা চায়। বিচার চলাকালে আওয়ামী লীগের নিবন্ধন বাতিল করতে হবে এবং এই মাফিয়া গোষ্ঠীর রাজনীতিতে ফেরানোর যেকোনো প্রচেষ্টাকে এনসিপি প্রতিহত করার অঙ্গীকার ব্যক্ত করছে।'

'আওয়ামী লীগ কোনো গণতান্ত্রিক ও রাজনৈতিক দল নয়, বরং এটি একটি ফ্যাসিবাদী দল' এমন মন্তব্য করে নাহিদ বলেন, 'নির্বাচনে ভোটের মাধ্যমে আওয়ামী লীগের পরাজয় ঘটেনি। দল হিসেবে আওয়ামী লীগ সাংগঠনিক সিদ্ধান্তের মাধ্যমে বাংলাদেশে গণহত্যা চালিয়েছে। যার ফলশ্রুতিতে বাংলাদেশের ইতিহাসে নজিরবিহীন ছাত্র-জনতার অভ্যুত্থানের মাধ্যমে আওয়ামী লীগ ফ্যাসিবাদী রেজিম বাংলাদেশ থেকে উৎখাত হয়েছে।'

তিনি বলেন, 'আওয়ামী লীগ এই মুহূর্তে গণতান্ত্রিক ফ্রেমওয়ার্কের বাইরে অবস্থান করছে। বিচার অনিষ্পন্ন রেখে আওয়ামী লীগকে নির্বাচনে অংশগ্রহণ করতে দেওয়ার যেকোনো ধরনের আলোচনা ও প্রস্তাব এনসিপি দৃঢ়তার সঙ্গে প্রত্যাখ্যান করে। আওয়ামী মতাদর্শ দল এবং মার্কার বিরুদ্ধে বাংলাদেশের জনগণ ৩৬শে জুলাই চূড়ান্ত সিদ্ধান্ত জানিয়ে দিয়েছে। ফলে দল ও মতাদর্শ হিসেবে আওয়ামী লীগ বাংলাদেশে রাজনীতি করার সকল অধিকার হারিয়েছে।'

'গণহত্যা ও মানবতাবিরোধী অপরাধের দায়ে আওয়ামী লীগের বিচার চলাকালে আওয়ামী লীগ এবং ফ্যাসিবাদের সহযোগী সব ব্যক্তি ও সংগঠনের রাজনৈতিক কার্যক্রমকে নিষিদ্ধ ঘোষণা করতে হবে,' বলেন তিনি।

নাহিদ আরও বলেন, 'জাতীয় নাগরিক পার্টি এনসিপি রাজনৈতিক ঐকমত্যের ভিত্তিতে ঘোষিত জুলাই সনদের মাধ্যমে আওয়ামী লীগের ব্যাপারে ফ্যাসিবাদবিরোধী সব রাজনৈতিক দল ও পক্ষকে ঐক্যবদ্ধভাবে সিদ্ধান্ত নেওয়ার আহ্বান জানায়।'

এক প্রশ্নের জবাবে নাহিদ বলেন, 'এই মুহূর্তে বাংলাদেশের সবচেয়ে গুরুত্বপূর্ণ কনসার্নের জায়গা আওয়ামী লীগ। ফলে আওয়ামী লীগের বিচার হওয়া এবং নিবন্ধন বাতিলসহ তাদের রাজনৈতিক ও সাংগঠনিকভাবে কার্যক্রম থেকে বিরত রাখার বিষয়ে সরকার ও ফ্যাসিবাদবিরোধী রাজনৈতিক পক্ষগুলোকে আমরা একত্রিত হওয়ার আহ্বান জানাচ্ছি।'

'দ্বিতীয়ত আমরা মনে করি যে, নির্বাচন বা একটি রাজনৈতিক দল কার্যক্রম করতে পারবে কি পারবে না, এটি সম্পূর্ণই একটি রাজনৈতিক সিদ্ধান্ত এবং এই সিদ্ধান্ত নেওয়ার এখতিয়ার শুধু বিদ্যমান রাজনৈতিক দলগুলোর ও জনগণের। সেখানে সেনাবাহিনী কিংবা রাষ্ট্রীয় এমন কোনো প্রতিষ্ঠানের এ বিষয়ে কোনো ধরনের মন্তব্য, পরিকল্পনা বা সিদ্ধান্ত, প্রস্তাবনা দেওয়ার কোনো এখতিয়ার নেই,' যোগ করেন তিনি।

নাহিদ ইসলাম বলেন, 'অন্তর্বর্তী সরকারের প্রধান উপদেষ্টা টাইমফ্রেম দিয়েছেন ডিসেম্বর। ডিসেম্বরকে প্রাধান্য দেওয়া হচ্ছে এবং ডিসেম্বর থেকে জুন পর্যন্ত একটা টাইমফ্রেম আমাদের বেঁধে দিয়েছেন। আমরা সেটাকে সমর্থন করছি। কিন্তু আমরা বলছি এই সময়ের মধ্যেই বিচার ও সংস্কারসহ যে আমরা গণপরিষদের দাবি জানিয়েছি, সেটা এই সময়ের মধ্যেই করা সম্ভব। ফলে নির্বাচনে যাওয়ার আগে যেন আমরা এই বিষয়গুলো সম্পন্ন করে নির্বাচনের দিকে যাই, আমরা মনে করি যদি রাজনৈতিক ঐকমত্য ও সদিচ্ছা থাকে, তাহলে এই সময়ের মধ্যেই এই ধাপগুলো সম্পন্ন সম্ভব। এই ধাপগুলো সম্পন্ন ছাড়া নির্বাচনের দিকে গেলে বাংলাদেশের আসলে কোনো গুণগত পরিবর্তন হবে না।'​

 

[Saif]

NCP condemns chief adviser’s statement on Awami League

The party expressed determination to resist any attempt by the ‘mafia group’ to get rehabilitated in politics.

en.prothomalo.com

NCP condemns chief adviser’s statement on Awami League
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 21 Mar 2025, 23: 00

NCP convener Nahid Islam speaks at a press briefing in DHaka on 21 March, 2025.Prothom Alo

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has condemned the recent statement by the chief adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, that his government has no plan to ban Awami League.

“Recently, the interim government’s chief adviser commented that the government has no plan to outlaw Awami League. We condemn this statement,” said NCP convener Nahid Islam at a press briefing at the Rupayan Tower in the capital’s Bangla Motor area around 8:00 pm on Friday.

“Such a statement from a responsible position of the state is undesirable, particularly before any visible as well as effective progress in trials of the Awami League’s Pilkhana carnage, Shapla killings, anti-aggression movement killings, disappearances, crossfires, vote robberies, and July massacre,” he said.

In his written statement, Nahid Islam alleged that there is no visible progress in trials of mass murderer Sheikh Hasina and other killers of her party even after seven months of the student-people uprising. The UN human rights commission also mentioned clearly in its report that the crimes committed in Bangladesh during July qualify as crimes against humanity.

Despite having such a clear international statement, the slow pace of their trials is condemnable, he said, adding that the NCP wants to see visible progress in the trials of forceful disappearances and extrajudicial killings of the previous fascist regime, alongside the July massacre.

The NCP leader asserted that any attempt to allow Awami League to function as a political party without trials, confession, remorse, or correction of their crimes would amount to ‘rehabilitation of fascists.’ Their party seeks guarantee for the trials of the July massacre and other killings and crimes of the previous fascist regime.

“Throughout the trial process, registration of Awami League must remain revoked,” he said while expressing determination to resist any attempt by the ‘mafia group’ to get rehabilitated in politics.

Nahid Islam also reminded that “Awami League is not just a political or democratic party, but a fascist group. They were not defeated through voting in an election. Awami League, as a party, carried out a massacre in Bangladesh, under its organisational decision. In the aftermath, the fascist Awami regime has been overthrown through an unprecedented student-people uprising. Hence, it now remains out of the democratic framework.” the democratic framework.”​

 

[Saif]

Protest demands ban on Awami League, new platform announced

Separate protests processions were brought out Friday on the Dhaka University demanding a ban on the Bangladesh Awami League (AL). A protest rally was also organised in front of the Raju Memorial Sculpture on the campus under the banner of “General students of Dhaka University” in the...

en.prothomalo.com

Protest demands ban on Awami League, new platform announced
Correspondent
Dhaka University
Published: 21 Mar 2025, 19: 26

The students on 21 March 2025 launched a new platform to press home their demand of banning the Awami League Prothom Alo

Separate protests processions were brought out Friday on the Dhaka University demanding a ban on the Bangladesh Awami League (AL)

A protest rally was also organised in front of the Raju Memorial Sculpture on the campus under the banner of “General students of Dhaka University” in the afternoon.

The protesters announced forming the “Platform for the Banning of genocidal Awami League”, which will continue organising various programmes until Awami League is banned.

Earlier in the afternoon, the ‘Inquilab Mancha’ demonstrated in front of the Raju Sculpture demanding the same.

They announced from their procession that they would remain on the streets until the Awami League was banned.

Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad also brought out a protest procession with the same demand. The procession started in front of the central mosque of Dhaka University, paraded through the Raju Sculpture, Shahbagh and ended in front of the central library.

Mr chief adviser, we have been assuring you that we are by your side. Organise a referendum, if necessary; the people are with you. AB Jubayer, a student of Islamic Studies Department at Dhaka University.

In the afternoon, the procession under the banner of the general students of Dhaka University started from the university’s dormitory area and gathered in front of the Raju Sculpture.

The protesters chanted various slogans, “Stop dilly-dallying, ban the Awami League”, “Fight to live” and so on.

Addressing the rally, AB Jubayer, a student of Islamic Studies Department at Dhaka University said, “After taking power, the interim government’s responsibility was to ban the Awami League. But we are seeing that many are trying to talk about a good Awami League, bad Awami League. But what is a good Awami League, especially when they haven’t sought apology after such a mass killing?”

The Islamic Studies student further said, “Mr chief adviser, we have been assuring you that we are by your side. Organise a referendum, if necessary; the people are with you.”

On behalf of the platform, AB Jubayer read out the declaration. He said, “The student-people are once again ready to foil the ill motive of rehabilitating the Awami League. The blood stains have not dried. We will not allow any attempt to bring back the killer Awami League standing on the blood of our brothers.”

We shall unite once again on demand of the ban on Awami League. We have gathered at the Raju Sculpture of Dhaka University; formed the ‘Genocidal Awami League Banning Platform’; whoever you are, whatever is your party, and belief, if you have the same opinion as us of banning Awami League, you are welcome here--AB Jubayer.

AB Jubayer also said, “We shall unite once again on demand of the ban on Awami League. We have gathered at the Raju Sculpture of Dhaka University; formed the ‘Genocidal Awami League Banning Platform’; whoever you are, whatever is your party, and belief, if you have the same opinion as us of banning Awami League, you are welcome here.”

“Come and be united as we did in July. This Bengal will not be the home of the mass killers,” he stressed.

Speaking at the rally, Musaddek Ali Ibne Muhammad, student of Bangla Department at Dhaka University, said already many political parties have rotted, they have been sold to the powers. They don’t want to ban Awami League.

“This new platform will be close down immediately after the ban on Awami League,” he added.

The platform will organise sit-ins and a mass iftar programme to press home their demand of banning the Awami League at 5:00 pm Saturday.​

 

[Saif]

Cantonment conspiring to restore ‘Refined Awami League’, says Hasnat

Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has claimed that the Awami League is “under pressure” from the military administration to return to politics. In a Facebook post around 2 a.m. on Friday, Hasnat claimed that he and two other individuals had been presented w

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Cantonment conspiring to restore ‘Refined Awami League’, says Hasnat
Published :
Mar 21, 2025 20:29
Updated :
Mar 21, 2025 20:29

Hasnat Abdullah, a leader of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has claimed that the Awami League is “under pressure” from the military administration to return to politics.

In a Facebook post around 2 a.m. on Friday, Hasnat claimed that he and two other individuals had been presented with a proposal for a “Refined Awami League” by the “cantonment."

The meeting, which took place at 2:30 p.m. on March 11, ended abruptly after a heated exchange with a senior army officer, he added.

No official response was made from the army headquarters or the ISPR regarding the demands of this former student leader, who left the Chhatra League amid the July movement, reports bdnews24.com.

The organiser of the NCP’s southern unit, Hasnat wrote, “We were proposed a deal for [parliamentary] seats in exchange for accepting the proposal. We were told that multiple political parties were presented with the proposal and they had accepted the rehabilitation of the Awami League conditionally.

“Wouldn’t it be better to have multiple opposition parties, including a weakened Awami League, rather than just one?” the officials allegedly asked.

“As a result, you’ll see that over the past two days, several politicians have started giving statements in favour of the Awami League in the media," he added.

“A plan is underway to introduce a fresh conspiracy called the Refined Awami League. It is being crafted with figures such as Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhary, and Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh at the forefront,” Hasnat wrote.

According to Hasnat, those with whom the Refined Awami League would consist of will confess the crimes of the Sheikh family from April-May and they would appear in front of the people with promises of revitalising a party with Bangabandhu’s vision.

After former prime minister Sheikh Hasina fled in the face of a mass uprising on Aug 5, President Mohammed Shahabuddin abolished the parliament the following day.

Within 27 days of the government’s fall, parliament speaker Shirin resigned from her position. She was alleged in a murder case in Rangpur during the protests.

Saber, MP of Dhaka-9 constituency, was arrested on Oct 6, but he was granted bail in six cases two days later.

Former Dhaka mayor Taposh, a relative of Hasina, fled the country before the fall of the government.

“This plan is entirely orchestrated by India,” Hasnat alleged.

Following Hasnat’s post on Facebook, a protest was launched on Dhaka University campus demanding the ban. The protests continued on Friday at different places in the country.

On Thursday, however, Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus made it clear that the interim government had no intention of banning the Awami League.

However, he said the party’s leaders accused of grave crimes, including murder and crimes against humanity, would face trial in the country’s courts.

ALTERCATION

Hasnat claimed when he and his colleagues had rejected the idea and instead demanded accountability for the Awami League’s alleged misdeeds, the discussion escalated.

“We were told that if we obstruct the Awami League’s return, we would bear responsibility for any ensuing national crisis,” he wrote.

“They said, ‘The Awami League must come back’.”

At one point in the exchange, Hasnat recounted, he questioned how a political party that had neither apologised nor admitted to its past wrongdoings could be reinstated.

The response, he alleged, was dismissive.

“They said, ‘You people know nothing’. ‘You lack wisdom and experience. We have been in service for at least forty years, which is more than your age’.”

When the student leaders remained firm in their opposition, Hasnat claimed that tensions rose further.

“I told them, ‘If the Awami League is to return, it will have to be over our dead bodies,” he wrote.

The meeting, he said, ended without resolution.

In his post, Hasnat issued a call for unity against “efforts to rehabilitate the Awami League before it could face trial”.

“I do not know what will happen to me after posting this,” he wrote.

“I may come under pressure, and I may even be in danger. But there is no room to compromise on the issue of banning the Awami League.”

Vowing to resist any attempt to reinstate the party, he warned, “As long as we have a drop of blood in our bodies, we will not let the sacrifices of our martyrs go in vain.”​

 

[Saif]

Political parties divided over AL return to politics

Political parties are divided over the question of allowing Awami League to return to politics as some of them are ready to tolerate the AL politicians with no criminal record, while others demand a complete ban on the party for its involvement in the July-August massacre.

www.newagebd.net

Political parties divided over AL return to politics
Staff Correspondent 21 March, 2025, 23:30

Political parties are divided over the question of allowing Awami League to return to politics as some of them are ready to tolerate the AL politicians with no criminal record, while others demand a complete ban on the party for its involvement in the July-August massacre.

BNP senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Friday questioned why the Awami League should not be allowed to engage in politics under the leadership of people with a clean image.

Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami ameer Shafiqur Rahman, however, said that the people of Bangladesh would not accept the rehabilitation of AL.

The division in the views regarding Awami League’s return to politics became visible a day after the chief adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, on Thursday said that the interim government had no plans to ban the party.

His remarks came when the chief adviser was attending a meeting with a delegation led by the International Crisis Group president and chief executive officer, Comfort Ero,

Rizvi, while addressing an Eid gift distribution ceremony in the capital’s Dakshinkhan area, said, ‘If someone who did not commit crimes, was not involved in student killings and did not embezzle or launder money leads Awami League—then why can AL not do politics?’

‘If speedy justice is ensured, criminals are prosecuted and people then allow them to do politics, we have nothing to say,’ he said.

‘But those who have laundered money, those who are responsible for the killing of children and teenagers like Ahnaf, Abu Sayeed and Mugdho—justice must be ensured,’ Rizvi said.

He said some people were debating whether AL should be allowed to do politics, but they were not demanding the perpetrators of mass killings be held accountable.

The senior BNP leader also questioned Sheikh Hasina’s integrity saying, ‘I even doubt whether Sheikh Hasina believes in Allah. Her only god is money. And someone who worships money can never serve the people.’

‘Her relatives, her chosen individuals and certain businessmen are involved in money laundering. They must be brought to trial,’ he added.

Jamaat chief Shafiqur Rahman in a post on his verified Facebook on Friday morning said that the people of Bangladesh would not accept AL’s rehabilitation.

He urged people from all walks of life to remain restrained, vigilant and united, rising above party affiliations to play a responsible role in the greater interest of the country.

Shafiqur Rahman also wrote, ‘Bangladesh is crossing a significant turning point in its history. After a long period of fascist rule, on July 36, 2024, the nation was gifted with a new Bangladesh by the mercy of Almighty Allah. For this, we offer countless thanks to the Almighty.’

The fallen fascists are engaged in various conspiracies both within the country and abroad to destabilise the nation, he stated.

The Jamaat chief also wrote, ‘At this moment, the people want to see the trial of the genocide as a priority. There is no room to think about anything else beyond this.’

Besides, the Nationalist Democratic Movement in a statement

said that the interim government must take immediate legal steps to keep the AL away from elections and politics.

The people did not want to see this fascist force anymore, it said.

Noting that the NDM would be in the streets in any movement to ban Awani League, the party said that those who wanted to rehabilitate AL inside or outside the government would have to be accountable to people.

Meanwhile, Jatiya Party chairman GM Quader opposed banning AL, saying that while some individuals within the party might be bad, the party itself was not.

Speaking to journalists at his ancestral residence in Rangpur, he said, ‘Awami League is like a car. The driver may be bad, but that does not mean the car is bad.’

Quader also said that the government was trying to hold elections while excluding ‘half’ of the country’s population but such an election would not be acceptable and would fail to bring stability.

Such action would only push the country towards more conflict and crisis, he warned.

Hefazat-e-Islam joint secretary general Mamunul Haque at a protest rally at the north gate of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque after Friday prayers said that ‘The “towhidi janata” of this country have sent them away, any attempt to rehabilitate them will not be tolerated,’ he stated.

‘If an attempt is made to establish AL in the country, it will have to be done over our dead bodies,’ he added.​

 

[Saif]

NCP sees army interference in politics

The National Citizens’ Party on Friday alleged that the army was intervening in politics when it referred to a recent meeting held between the party and high ranking army officials to discuss some political issues.

www.newagebd.net

NCP sees army interference in politics
Staff Correspondent 21 March, 2025, 23:37

A group of Dhaka University students stage demonstrations, demanding a ban on the Awami League, in front of the Raju Sculpture on the campus on Friday. | Focus Bangla photo

Protests erupt for AL ban

The National Citizens’ Party on Friday alleged that the army was intervening in politics when it referred to a recent meeting held between the party and high ranking army officials to discuss some political issues.

When asked at a press briefing whether there was any influence or intervention of the army in politics, NCP chief organiser for South Hasnat Abdullah answered, ‘We wonder about it…since we had a discussion with high ranking army officials. We see it as intervention in politics. Politics will be decided by the politicians.’

He also said that the political issues came up when they went to a meeting with army officials to discuss the law and order situation and to ‘get the answers to some questions they had’ as the army, vested with magistracy power, was engaged in controlling the law and order.

‘I went there as the army has been vested with the magistracy power to maintain law and order,’ Hasnat said, not disclosing the names either of his fellows that took part in the meeting or the army officers attending it.

In the early hours of Friday, Hasnat Abdullah in a Facebook post alleged that a conspiracy was being hatched to bring a ‘refined Awami League’ behind which India was playing the main role.

The post mentioned that former Jatiya Sangsad speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, former environment minister Saber Hossain Chowdhury and former Dhaka South City Corporation mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh would be the face of Awami League in its repatriation.

He said that the proposal was given to him and two others.

When contacted, the Inter Services Public Relation Directorate declined to comment on the matter.

When Saber Hossain Chowdhury asked about his involvement in the process he was now not involved in politics and also requested the reporter not even mention anywhere that he was approached for comments.

Hasnat also shared a video message of local government and co-operatives adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan in which he said that army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, after a long tussle, accepted the proposal of making Professor Muhamamd Yunus the chief adviser of the interim government.

‘I accepted the decision with a stone heavy on my heart,’ said Asif in the message, quoting the army chief regarding the formation of the interim government following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina regime on August 5, 2024 amid a student-led mass uprising.

Asif further said that the army chief pointed out Yunus as a convict and Awami League did not like him and the party represented 30–40 per cent people’s support.

The Bangladesh Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad brings out a procession, demanding ban of the Awami League, on the Dhaka University campus on Friday. — New Age photo

Students of different public universities, meanwhile on Friday, took to the streets demanding a ban on Awami League, while newly formed political party National Citizens’ Party announced continued movement, pressing the same demand across the country.

The demand for banning AL erupted again after chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at a meeting said ‘the government has no plan to ban AL’ and Hasnat Abdullah’s Facebook post claiming that a conspiracy was going on for AL’s return.

NCP convener Nahid Islam condemned the interim government’s remarks for not having any plan to ban AL.

Addressing a press conference at the NCP office in the capital’s Banglamotor area, the party’s member secretary Akhtar Hossain said that demonstration demanding the trial of Awami League for mass killing and cancelling the party’s registration would continue across the country.

‘We urge the country’s all students, people and well-wishers along with the members of the NCP to take part in the movement,’ said Akthar.

Students of different educational institutions on the day also staged demonstrations in Dhaka city and as elsewhere across the country demanding ban on AL.

They also demanded trial and punishment for the AL leaders and activists for the July massacre.

Ganatantrik Chhatra Sangsad, a newly formed student organisation by a group of leaders of the Student Against Discrimination that led the July-August mass uprising, held a rally in front of Dhaka University central library demanding ban on AL.

Inqilab Mancha brought out a procession after Jumma prayers from the DU central mosque and held rally at the Anti-Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture on the campus with the same demands.

A group of students under the banner of ‘general students of DU’ held a separate rally at the Anti-Terrorism Raju Memorial Sculpture at about 3:00pm demanding ban on AL.

They also announced a Mancha named ‘Ganahatyakari Awami League Nirshiddhokoron Mancha’ at the time.

In the early hours of Friday, a group of DU students came out from their halls and staged a protest march on the campus demanding a ban on AL, reported New Age correspondent in DU.

The march began at around 2:00am from the university’s hall areas and concluded with a brief rally in front of the Raju memorial sculpture.

From the brief rally, DU student Musaddiq Ali Ibne Mohammad vowed, ‘As long as there is a drop of blood in our body, we will not let Awami League continue politics.’

The students of Jahangirnagar University also staged a protest on Friday afternoon, rejecting the chief adviser’s statement on AL’s return, New Age correspondent at JU reported.

At the rally, marketing student Arifuzzaman Uzzal accused the interim government of failing to uphold the spirit of July revolution and called for AL to be declared a genocidal party.

He warned the chief of army staff General Waqar-Uz-Zaman against restoring AL, stating, ‘We dismantled Hasina’s rule in 36 days—don’t try to bring them back.’

Members of the National Citizens’ Party and Shibir leaders were also present at the rally.

New Age staff correspondent in Rajshahi reported that students of Rajshahi University also brought out a protest procession in front of the university central mosque and in the city, demanding a ban on AL.

The students of Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur formed human chain on Friday afternoon in front of their campus in the city while Chattogram unit of Students Against Discrimination brought out a procession from the city’s Jamiatul Falah Mosque to Kazir Dewri intersection pressing the same demand.

Earlier on Thursday, during a discussion at the state guesthouse Jamuna with a delegation led by International Crisis Group president and CEO, Comfort Ero, chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus stated that the interim government had no plan to ban Awami League.​

 

[Saif]

Akhtar vows not to allow Awami League’s return

National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary Akhtar Hossain has vowed not to allow Awami League to be rehabilitated in the country’s politics.

en.prothomalo.com

Akhtar vows not to allow Awami League’s return
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 22 Mar 2025, 20: 07

NCP member secretary Akhter Hossain speaks at a protest rally in Shahbagh on 22 March, 2024 Prothom Alo

National Citizen Party (NCP) member secretary Akhtar Hossain has vowed not to allow Awami League to be rehabilitated in the country’s politics.

“We take oath by the blood of the brothers who sacrificed their lives on the streets, Awami League won’t be allowed to do politics as long as a single drop of blood flows in our veins,” Akhter Hossain said today, Saturday.

He was addressing a protest rally organised by NCP’s Dhaka city unit in front of National Museum in Shahbagh. The rally was held demanding trial, cancellation of registration and ban on political and organisational activities of Awami League.

Akhter said, “Awami League was not ousted through any peaceful incident. This killer and fascist Awami League was removed by shedding the blood of thousands of people. We can be reincarnated, but we won’t allow the Awami League to be rehabilitated. People’s lives were in danger whenever the Awami League came to power.”

People of the country, by sacrificing their lives, have given the verdict that Awami League would no longer be allowed to do politics in this country, he added.

Akhter also regretted that the current interim government has not started any trial of Awami League in more than seven months and urged the government to revoke its registration as a political party.

After the rally at Shahbagh, the NCP took out a procession towards Central Shaheed Minar.​

 

[Saif]

Awami League won't be allowed any ground: Mahfuj Alam

Mahfuj commented that Awami League is a domestic force ‘transplanted force’ controlled by India

en.prothomalo.com

Awami League won't be allowed any ground: Mahfuj Alam
BSS
Dhaka
Published: 22 Mar 2025, 09: 35

Information and broadcasting adviser Mahfuj Alam addressing an iftar event organised by the ‘Nofel Society’ in memory of the martyrs of the July uprising in the capital Friday evening Prothom Alo

Information and broadcasting adviser Mahfuj Alam on Friday said Awami League was not a domestic force rather it was a ‘transplanted force’ from abroad.

“Awami League is not a domestic force…rather it is essentially a transplanted force from abroad. Its (Awami League’s) strings are held in Delhi, and the kite flies in Bangladesh. This kite will no longer be allowed to fly in Bangladesh,” he said.

The adviser came up with the remark while addressing an iftar event organised by the ‘Nofel Society’ in memory of the martyrs of the July uprising in the capital yesterday.

Mahfuj Alam said, “Whenever Awami League will get an opportunity or chance, it will certainly go against the aspirations of the country’s common people.”

“We won against Awami fascism. We must remember that the victory, we earned, has been achieved through a political and united fight. If we don’t sustain the unity and continue the fight politically, Awami League will come back again,” he added.

Referring to the upcoming parliamentary polls, the information adviser said, “The general election will be held in December as scheduled. I urge all to prepare for the polls. Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said that the election will be held on time,” he added.

Mahfuj Alam further said, “It is scheduled for the end of this year, in December. A timeline has already been set, and the election will take place within that timeframe. Everyone should start preparing for it.”

He hoped that the election would be held in the right time if the political parties act responsibly, stop sabotage and the state organs properly cooperate.​

 

[Bilal9]

After what AL did in July August last year, these people in Bangladesh (Army chief and BNP etc.) have some gall to propose allowing AL back in politics. Wow.

 

[Saif]

Awami League should be banned through trial process: Hasnat Abdullah

National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah has said the Awami League (AL) should be banned through a trial process, not an executive order, for the party’s alleged involvement in killings and disappearances. The southern chief organiser of the NCP also demanded the cancellation of t

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Awami League should be banned through trial process: Hasnat Abdullah
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
Mar 22, 2025 18:05
Updated :
Mar 22, 2025 18:10

National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah has said the Awami League (AL) should be banned through a trial process, not an executive order, for the party’s alleged involvement in killings and disappearances.

The southern chief organiser of the NCP also demanded the cancellation of the Awami League’s registration as a political party through a judicial process.

Hasnat Abdullah came up with the statement while addressing a rally outside the National Museum at Shahbagh on Saturday.

NCP Member Secretary Akhter Hossain also vowed to resist the return of the Awami League at any cost.

He said, “Awami League did not express an apology or take responsibility for any killing. So, if anybody or any institution stands in favour of that Awami League, the people of Bangladesh will stand against them.”

According to UNB, several organisations and students from Dhaka University staged a rally on Saturday, demanding a ban on the Awami League.

The rally began at 3:00pm at the Shahbagh intersection, where participants chanted slogans like "One word, one demand, League not come back."

Shakil Mia, an organiser of the July Movement students participating in the rally, said, "All those associated with the Awami League are involved in some form of crime. Therefore, we want the registration of the Awami League to be cancelled.”

He also said that the Awami League should not be allowed to participate in the next election.

“Considering the wrongdoings the Awami League has committed over the past 16 years, no good worker of the party can be found," he added.

Another participant added, "We demand the cancellation of the Awami League's registration, and its activities should be banned. All leaders and workers involved in misdeeds should be brought to justice."

The speakers also demanded a trial for those involved in looting, disappearances, and killings during the Awami League's rule.

Meanwhile, "July Warriors", a forum formed by the families of the martyrs and injured victims of the July uprising, gave the interim government 48 hours to ban Awami League.

They issued the ultimatum from a protest rally held at the Raju Sharok Bhaskarjya on the Dhaka University campus on Saturday.​

 

[Saif]

After what AL did in July August last year, these people in Bangladesh (Army chief and BNP etc.) have some gall to propose allowing AL back in politics. Wow.

View attachment 15838

Don't worry Bilal bhai. The NCP won't let anybody to rehabilitate Awami League in Bangladesh politics. The army chief is related to Hasina and a die-hard pro-India. He should have been kicked out of the army by Dr. Yunus by now but instead he let Genenral Waker to continue as the army chief. Dr. Yunus is a great economist but a noob in politics.

 

[Saif]

Questions over Awami League’s future must not lead to fresh chaos

The last thing we need now is further instability

www.thedailystar.net

Questions over Awami League’s future must not lead to fresh chaos
The last thing we need now is further instability

VISUAL: STAR

Ever since the July uprising, the nation has been rocked by wave after wave of protests, both online and offline, over various issues and developments. While this is but a natural consequence of the heightened exposure to, and awareness of, long-festering injustices and divisions, the recent flare-up over the question of Awami League's rehabilitation following alleged exchanges between some leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) and the army chief has the potential to plunge the country into fresh chaos, if not properly addressed. The explosiveness of the situation owes as much to the alleged content of said exchanges, and the manner in which they were revealed, as to the sway involved parties hold over the post-uprising society.

On the assumption that these developments are known to all, we are not delving into details. To sum up, in a Facebook post on Friday, NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah claimed that he had been presented with an "Indian plan" at the cantonment to rehabilitate Awami League. It involves a "refined" version of the party, led by leaders without questionable reputations, which would publicly renounce Sheikh Hasina's legacy and pledge to restore the ideals of "Bangabandhu's Awami League." In exchange, Hasnat wrote, politicians who endorse this new faction would receive parliamentary seats and other concessions. The justification for the move, he added, was that "it is better to have several opposition parties, including a weak Awami League, than just one party in opposition."

After the post went viral, it prompted heated debate and demonstrations. Later, the veracity of Hasnat's version of the event was contested by his NCP colleague Sarjis Alam, who accompanied him during the meeting with army chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman, while another, Nasiruddin Patwary, called the post "inappropriate". Meanwhile, the army called it "laughable" and "immature" in a statement shared with the Netra News. However, what's clear from these statements is that a meeting did take place, whether pre-planned or not, and Awami League's rehabilitation did get a mention, even if its intent and other relevant details remain disputed.

After the post went viral, it prompted heated debate and demonstrations. Later, the veracity of Hasnat's version of the event was contested by his NCP colleague Sarjis Alam, who accompanied him during the meeting with army chief General Waqar-uz-Zaman, while another, Nasiruddin Patwary, called the post "inappropriate". Meanwhile, the army called it "laughable" and "immature" in a statement shared with the Netra News. However, what's clear from these statements is that a meeting did take place, whether pre-planned or not, and Awami League's rehabilitation did get a mention, even if its intent and other relevant details remain disputed. This development brings to the fore the critical importance of transparency in any process involving the future of Awami League to prevent confusion, foul play, or political exploitation. It also reaffirms the need for Sheikh Hasina and other leaders to be held accountable for the atrocities they committed. The longer this takes, the greater the risk of chaos.

We need to keep in mind that people are still grappling with the consequences of the authoritarian rule of the ousted regime that has left deep scars in society. The last thing we need now is further instability. We agree with the NCP that political decisions should be left to the political entities. But the need for broader consensus in such matters cannot be ruled out either. At the same time, we must be careful that the army is not pulled into any matters that do not concern it. The chief adviser has already said that the interim government had no plan to ban the AL—that doesn't mean AL's future is decided. As the trial process for its crimes continues, politicians may, and should, continue to engage in discussions about it but this must not lead to further turmoil. All stakeholders of the July uprising must act with greater caution and restraint.​