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

[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.​

 

[Saif]

Hasnat’s statement ‘laughable’, ‘immature’: Army HQ to Netra News

The Army Headquarters has reacted to the Facebook post of Hasnat Abdullah, principal coordinator of National Citizen Party (NCP), regarding pressure from the army to form a “refined Awami League”. Sweden-based Netra News on Saturday published a report on the reactions. It said the post of...

en.prothomalo.com

Hasnat’s statement ‘laughable’, ‘immature’: Army HQ to Netra News
Staff Correspondent
Dhaka
Published: 23 Mar 2025, 20: 33

The Army Headquarters has reacted to the Facebook post of Hasnat Abdullah, principal coordinator of National Citizen Party (NCP), regarding pressure from the army to form a “refined Awami League”.

Sweden-based Netra News on Saturday published a report on the reactions. It said the post of Hasnat Abdullah is nothing but an “extremely laughable and an immature array of stories”.

In his Facebook post, Hasnat Abdullah on Friday wrote, “11 March, 2:30 pm.

“A few days ago I told you about a new conspiracy in the name of ‘refined Awami League’. This is a plan by India. The plan is being done centering Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Shirin Sharmin and Taposh.

“The plan was presented to me and two others from the cantonment at 2:30 pm on 11 March. We were requested to accept the proposal in exchange for sharing some seats. We were said, this was proposed to several political parties already and they have agreed to rehabilitate Awami League on condition. It is better to have several opposition parties including a weaker Awami League than just one opposition party. As a result, you will find several politicians speaking in the media in favour of the Awami League for the last two days.”

The Netra News report said, “In a statement shared with Netra News, the army headquarters acknowledged that its chief, General Waker-uz-Zaman, met Hasnat Abdullah on March 11th in Dhaka Cantonment. However, the Army described Abdullah’s assertions as ‘extremely laughable and an immature array of stories’.”

“The meeting wasn’t ‘a matter of summoning them and proposing or pressuring them about the rehabilitation of the Awami League’, the statement said. Instead, it insisted, the meeting occurred at the request of Abdullah and another coordinator of his party, Sarjis Alam, who had long sought a ‘courtesy meeting’ with Waker-uz-Zaman,” the report added.

Hasnat Abdullah, 27, is a former student activist who helped lead the Anti-discrimination Student Movement that emerged after protests against a court order reinstating a quota system for government jobs.

These demonstrations eventually contributed to the downfall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on 5 August last year.

Several student leaders from the movement have served in the subsequent interim cabinet. Among them, Nahid Islam later resigned to establish the National Citizen Party, appointing Hasnat Abdullah and Sargis Alam as regional chief organisers.

The report further said NCP called a media conference on the very night of Hasnat Abdullah’s post. “Speaking at a party press conference on Friday night, Abdullah and his party colleagues doubled down on their claims. But he refused to confirm whether the 11 March meeting he referred to involved Waker-uz-Zaman.

“I have mentioned ‘cantonment’ there (in the Facebook post); you can talk to them,” he said, declining to give a “binary” yes-or-no answer when pressed by a Netra News reporter. He also claimed they had been “invited to talk” about issues of magistracy power and law and order.

“The Army’s statement contradicts much of Abdullah’s version of events, saying that Abdullah and Alam had “for a long time” sought a courtesy call with the general,” the Netra News report said.

On 11 March, the Army said, “Sarjis Alam phoned the Military Adviser to the Army Chief to arrange the meeting, and was asked to come to army headquarters.” Instead, the pair was said to have waited at Sena Bhaban, where the general met them after finishing his official duties.

The Netra News report stated that the news portal was unable to verify what was discussed during the meeting, although a senior army officer said the initiative originated with Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam. Both men, as well as Patwari, have since maintained that they do not harbour any animosity towards the army or its leadership.

The report further said, “Waker-uz-Zaman became a focus of national attention after Hasina was toppled. He was involved in negotiations with various political actors that eventually led to an interim government under Muhammad Yunus.

“Bangladesh’s army has historically played a pivotal role in the country’s political upheavals and continues to wield considerable sway in public life. The general himself has issued warnings about how protracted mudslinging among different factions could ‘threaten Bangladesh’s stability and sovereignty’.

“But the soft-spoken general has repeatedly denied any desire for direct military intervention, even as speculation continues about the armed forces’ influence on civilian politics.

“Nevertheless, unease remains.”

When Prothom Alo contacted the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) directorate about the Army Headquarter’s statement published in Netra News, ISPR said it was not aware of any such statement.​

 

[Saif]

হাসনাতের ফেসবুক স্ট্যাটাস নিয়ে নেত্র নিউজকে যা জানিয়েছে সেনাসদর

 

[Saif]

When the agenda is to ban the Awami League

It became clear to me, at least, on Wednesday, 20 November, that the current interim government is not moving toward banning the Awami League. On that day, during a meeting of the advisory council, it was decided that under the International Crimes (Tribunal) Act, no party or organisation could...

en.prothomalo.com

When the agenda is to ban the Awami League
Zahed Ur Rahman
Political analyst and university teacher
Updated: 23 Mar 2025, 14: 55

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

It became clear to me, at least, on Wednesday, 20 November, that the current interim government is not moving toward banning Awami League. On that day, during a meeting of the advisory council, it was decided that under the International Crimes (Tribunal) Act, no party or organisation could be held accountable or tried for crimes against humanity. This was despite the fact that the version of the law brought before the advisory council included provisions for trying parties accused of crimes against humanity. It goes without saying that in trying to maintain illegal power in Bangladesh, Awami League, as a party, committed crimes against humanity.

Although there are legal avenues under two other laws to take action against the Awami League, I personally believe that by removing the provision to try organisations or parties under the ICT law, the government essentially signaled in November that they were not moving toward banning the Awami League. A few days earlier, the chief adviser had finally stated the government's position against banning the Awami League during a meeting with representatives from the International Crisis Group.

The chief adviser had made similar statements before, but this time, two events occurred immediately afterward that dramatically shifted the situation. Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organiser (South Region) of the National Citizen Party (NCP), revealed on a Facebook post that during a meeting at a cantonment, some of their members were asked to support the creation of a ‘refined Awami League’ and bring it into the elections.

Although Hasnat didn’t explicitly state who sat with him at the cantonment meeting, his response to a question at an NCP press conference the next day strongly implied the involvement of the army chief. Hasnat believes that the army chief’s recent comments about inclusive elections imply an intention to hold elections with the Awami League. It is assumed that everyone has associated the army chief with his cantonment meeting.

Within hours of this post, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, a government adviser, shared a brief statement made by Hasnat, which later appeared in more detail during an interview with the adviser on a television channel. The statement, which went viral immediately, featured Asif Mahmud accusing the army chief of strongly opposing their chief adviser Yunus’ appointment. According to Asif, the army chief was unconvinced until the last moment and only reluctantly accepted the decision. Setting aside the truth of Asif’s claim, an important question arises: Why would a government adviser make a statement that puts the army chief under intense pressure at this critical moment?

A group that has long sought to create public opinion against the army chief and remove him from his post began using these two recent events against the army chief. Not only that, this time, they also called on the public to take to the streets against the army chief.

It is true that the army chief has previously discussed election timelines in an interview with Reuters after Sheikh Hasina’s fall and escape. His recent comments on inclusive elections are seen by some as military interference or influence in politics, which is not entirely unreasonable. Therefore, some legitimate criticism of the army chief is understandable. However, even before these recent events, efforts to build a context for removing the army chief were already underway.

Whether the Awami League will be banned or not, there can be debate, even arguments, over this issue. Politics will continue, but we must be vocal against any attempt to create instability and obstruct elections and the restoration of democracy.

It’s worth noting that the same accusation being leveled against the army chief could be more strongly directed at the chief adviser. As head of government, he himself stated that they were not banning the Awami League. Therefore, the responsibility for preserving and rehabilitating the Awami League should have fallen on Professor Yunus, but it did not happen. This suggests that whether or not the Awami League will continue is becoming more of a political conspiracy game.

The NCP press conference I mentioned was organised mainly in response to the chief adviser’s statement, criticising the chief adviser’s remarks about the Awami League. For some time, I have believed and mentioned in various occassions that the NCP would make banning the Awami League part of their political agenda. Even before forming the party, their two organisations, the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and the Jaitya Nagorik Committee, had discussed this issue in depth.

Given the current political situation, the NCP likely sees this issue as one of the few ways to engage the general public. I’m not saying they are doing this without good intentions, but politics is politics. It requires issues that a political party can use to connect with the public and gain support. This explains why, despite being part of the government, adviser Mahfuj Alam (who could join the NCP at any time) has spoken against the Awami League’s political rights.

On the other hand, the issue of banning the Awami League has become part of a conspiracy game. The chief adviser has consistently mentioned that elections will be held by June next year. While some may have reservations about the June timeline, there is broad consensus across society that, provided certain reforms and the trial of Sheikh Hasina and her associates proceed, December would be an acceptable deadline.

A faction has openly taken a stance against elections, advocating for elections much later than the June timeline. While some criticism of the army chief’s actions is understandable, the current situation—after Sheikh Hasina’s fall and the country’s precarious state—does not allow for calm and reasoned judgment. However, it is clear that the military, under the army chief’s leadership, remains stable and strongly supports holding elections and restoring democracy at the right time.

It is true that the political future of the Awami League is a significant question in Bangladesh's politics now and in the near future. There is considerable international and geopolitical pressure against banning the Awami League. Even the United Nations Human Rights Commission, which has issued harsh reports against Sheikh Hasina, her associates, and her party, opposes banning the Awami League.

As mentioned earlier, while the ICT law does not allow banning a political party, at least two other laws do. The 2009 Anti-Terrorism Act allows the government to ban a political party through administrative order. According to the Political Parties Ordinance of 1978, the government can appeal to the High Court to ban a political party or suspend its activities. If desired, the government could specifically seek the High Court’s opinion on the Awami League through this law.

Whether the Awami League will be banned or not, there can be debate, even arguments, over this issue. Politics will continue, but we must be vocal against any attempt to create instability and obstruct elections and the restoration of democracy.

*Zahed Ur Rahman, political analyst and university teacher.

*This column appeared in the print and online edition of Prothom Alo and has been rewritten for the English edition by Rabiul Islam​