BNP happy with ban on Awami League activities

BNP has expressed satisfaction over the interim government’s decision to suspend all activities of the Awami League under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the completion of its trial, along with that of its leaders, at the International Crimes Tribunal.

In a statement, party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, “We are pleased that, albeit delayed, the interim government decided last night (Saturday night) to ban the activities of the fascist party the Awami League and all organisations affiliated with it, in the interest of swiftly prosecuting those involved with the fascist regime for crimes against humanity and ensuring an unhindered trial process.”

He also described as a correct decision the move to amend the relevant International Crimes (Tribunals) Act to facilitate the prosecution of the fascist party, was involved in enforced disappearances, murders, oppression and prolonged misrule against the people.

“But had this decision been taken earlier as per our demand, the government would not have found itself in the embarrassing and undesirable position of acting under pressure,” the BNP leader said.

He expressed the hope that the interim government will bear this in mind and proceed with due caution in its future actions.

Fakhrul said that during their meeting with the Chief Advisor on 10 February this year, they gave him a letter demanding that the Awami League be brought under judicial proceedings as a political party for genocide and crimes against humanity.

During their last meeting with the Chief Adviser on 16 April, he said they handed him over another letter reiterating their demand for the quick  prosecution of the fallen fascist party and those associated with it and its government, to cleanse the country’s political arena of filth.

In discussions with the Chief Adviser, the BNP leader said they clearly stated that it is both possible and necessary to ban the fascist party, the Awami League, through a legal process.

“We have repeatedly raised this demand in various meetings, rallies, and discussions. It is worth noting that we, as a matter of principle, oppose banning political parties through administrative orders. In line with that stance, the BNP protested the previous fascist government’s decision to ban Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami just before its fall,” he said.

For 16 long years, Fakhrul said, the disenfranchised people of the country have been fighting for their right to vote and for the restoration of democracy—enduring disappearances, murders, imprisonments, and oppression—in their struggle to overthrow fascism.

“That demand has yet to be realised. We urge the interim government to recognise the growing public anger caused by the continued disregard of the demand for a clear roadmap towards the restoration of democracy,” he said.

The Council of Advisers, in a special meeting on Saturday night, decided to ban all activities of the Awami League—including in cyberspace—under the Anti-Terrorism Act, until the trial of the party and its leaders under the International Crimes Tribunal is completed.

While briefing reporters in front of the State Guest House Jamuna, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul said the decision was taken to safeguard the country’s security and sovereignty, ensure the safety of leaders and activists of the July Movement, and protect the plaintiffs and witnesses involved in the International Crimes Tribunal.

He said the meeting also approved an amendment to the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act.