Dhaka, May 10 – The Bangladesh Interim Government has taken serious note of the recent demand from political parties, organisations, and the public to ban the Bangladesh Awami League (AL) due to its autocratic rule and involvement in terrorist activities leading to widespread human rights violations. Instead of cooperation with ongoing investigations, the party continues to try blatantly to jeopardize stability of the country.

The government will soon make a decision on this demand in consultation with political parties. In this regard, the government is giving due consideration to the UN report that has highlighted the terrorist activities of AL leaders and supporters during the July uprising. Until a decision is taken, all are requested to exercise patience.

It is worth mentioning that, in response to public demand, the government has already banned the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the AL student wing, which is widely accused of perpetrating violence and carrying out terrorist activities, under the Anti-Terrorism Act.

Additionally, the government plans to immediately amend the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act to incorporate provisions for the trial of associations and political parties associated and connected with crimes against humanity.

The government is aware of public dissatisfaction regarding the departure of former President Abdul Hamid, who served during the previous regime and is accused of murder in a case. The government assures all that it is determined to hold accountable those connected with this incident.

END

Shahbagh blockade demanding ban on Awami League enters second day

While roads at the Shahbagh intersection remain closed, emergency vehicles, including ambulances, are being allowed to pass.

Earlier, from the night of Thursday, leaders and activists of the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) began a sit-in in front of the chief adviser’s residence at Jamuna, demanding the ban. Besides NCP, leaders and activists from Hefazat-e-Islam, Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, Islami Chhatra Shibir, and other Islamist groups joined the protest. By morning, several other parties including Jamaat-e-Islami had also joined.

Hasnat Abdullah and Nasiruddin Patwari announced a rally and protest would be held after Friday prayers on the east side of Jamuna. Islamist leaders also joined them. A stage was constructed using five pickup vans. After the Friday prayers, a large gathering was held, and Hasnat Abdullah then announced the Shahbagh blockade.

At around 4pm, the protesters marched from Jamuna and occupied Shahbagh, where they stayed overnight. The number of protesters decreased slightly around midnight, and although the program paused for a few hours, many remained on the road.

On Saturday morning, protesters began gathering again at Shahbagh. A mass rally is scheduled for 3pm at Shahbagh, continuing the demand to ban the Awami League. It was also reported that similar gatherings will take place across various sites associated with the July uprising.

At around 7:30pm on Friday, NCP convener Nahid Islam posted three demands: declare the Awami League a terrorist organization and ban it; include a provision in the International Crimes Tribunal Act to allow group trials of the Awami League; and issue a declaration of the July uprising.

Later, NCP leaders Hasnat Abdullah and Sarjis Alam, among others, shared the same post.

In another post, Nahid Islam wrote: “The Shahbagh sit-in will continue. Blockades have begun in various parts of Dhaka. If decisions aren’t made quickly, the entire country will once again march toward Dhaka.”

https://www.dhakatribune.com/380844

https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/380844/shahbagh-blockade-demanding-ban-on-awami-league

END