Chief adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said Wednesday (January 29) that the Awami League will be barred from holding protests until it apologizes and faces trial for alleged genocide, killings, and corruption.
He made this remark through a Facebook post, where he said that since taking office in August, the interim government has not restricted any lawful protests.
He said that in the past five and a half months, at least 136 protests were held in Dhaka alone, some of which caused severe traffic congestion. However, the government did not impose any restrictions, he added.
He questioned whether a "fascist Awami League" should be allowed to protest.
According to him, video footage from July and August shows Awami League activists involved in attacks on peaceful protesters, leading to the deaths of hundreds of young students and even minors.
He blamed the Sheikh Hasina-led government for the killings and violence during the July uprising.
Citing a report from Human Rights Watch, Shafiqul Alam claimed that Sheikh Hasina directly ordered killings and enforced disappearances during her 16-year rule.
He further alleged that a neutral panel found that Hasina’s associates laundered $234 billion through corrupt deals and that investigations into financial misconduct involving her family are ongoing.
He said that around 3,500 people were forcibly disappeared, nearly 3,000 were killed extra-judicially, and mass killings occurred after the Shapla Chattar protest and the verdict against Maulana Sayedee.
Shafiqul Alam accused Hasina’s government of turning law enforcement into a political tool and filing fabricated cases against nearly six million opposition leaders and activists. Even the country’s first Hindu Chief Justice was allegedly forced into exile after being assaulted.
The press secretary emphasized that Awami League must acknowledge and atone for its crimes before being granted permission to protest.
He further asserted that no country would allow a group of "killers and corrupt individuals" to regain power without accountability. Any attempt by Awami League to hold protests will face strong public resistance.
The Press Secretary also warned that those attempting illegal demonstrations under the party’s banner would face legal consequences.
BDST: 1645 HRS, JAN 29, 2025
MSK/SMS
