Awami League
'Awami League plotting rehabilitation’: Hasnat Abdullah
Hasnat Abdullah, coordinator of the Anti-discrimination Student movement, has said that Awami League is secretly plotting rehabilitation to regain political power, following recent events and statements.
In a video message posted on his verified Facebook page on Monday afternoon, Hasnat alleged that the AL was maneuvering to restore its hold on the country, despite the recent political upheavals.
‘Only the signboard of the syndicate has changed’: Hasnat Abdullah
He referred to a statement by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, where the president said that no resignation letter had been submitted by Sheikh Hasina before fleeing the country.
Hasnat interpreted this as a sign that the Awami League was strategizing a comeback under the guise of political rehabilitation.
"We have seen Chhatra League's recent activities at Chittagong University, where they appear to be laying the groundwork for rehabilitation," added Hasnat. "In Dhaka, various factions of the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League are attempting to regroup. When you connect these incidents, it becomes evident that they are trying to revive the fascist structure."
He also expressed concerns about administrative and judicial efforts being made to aid the party's rehabilitation, claiming that "attempts are underway to restore the Awami League through institutional mechanisms."
To counter this, the coordinator emphasized the need for national unity, calling on citizens to join forces to resist the party’s resurgence.
Referring to past political alliances, he said, "Before August 5, we were all united against the tyranny of Awami League. We stood together as the oppressed, fighting against the oppressor." He lamented that individual interests had caused divisions after August 5, creating an opening for the Awami League to plot its return.
Hasnat urged people to stay united, rise above political affiliations, and resist the party's rehabilitation efforts. "We must maintain our presence on the streets and ensure the Awami League is uprooted from the soil of Bangladesh," he said, calling for a permanent ban on the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League.
In response to President Shahabuddin's comments, Hasnat posted on Facebook, claiming, "Hasina has been ousted; the people have overthrown an illegal government through an uprising. There is no question of a resignation letter here."
14 hours ago
BNP calls for unity against revival of Awami fascism
BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Saturday urged democratic political parties to maintain their unity, rising above narrow political interests, to resist the revival of Awami fascism.
Speaking at a memorial discussion meeting in the capital, he also called upon the government to fulfill its duty of restoring democracy through elected public representatives as soon as possible.
The BNP leader also said those who have oppressed the people of the country over the past 16 years have neither expressed regret nor shown remorse, and they continue to work to harm the nation.
“We must remain aware and united, with our goals steadfast. Unfortunately, it seems we have not learned our lesson despite facing so much repression and suppression,” he said.
Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, also lamented that one pro-democratic party is making derogatory comments about another solely for narrow political interests, which serves no purpose.
“We could oust autocracy and fascism with the mass unity we have forged. If this unity is compromised in any way, that fascism and autocracy will revive, and none of us will be spared. That’s why we must not jeopardise our unity,” he said.
The BNP leader said their party aims to collaborate with all forces—right, left, moderate, and Islamic—to build the country and ensure the welfare of its people. “We want to ensure that the people of this country are never again subjected to fascism and repression. We also advocate for freedom of the press, but not its abuse.”
Jamiat Ulema-e Islam arranged the progarmme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in memory of its former leader and ex-MP Mufti Mohammad Wakkas. Later, the party’s national council was also held at the venue.
BNP smells a blueprint to establish those who ‘sell independence’
He warned that the cohorts of the autocratic regime are making various efforts to create division among democratic forces. “We must resist all such evil efforts.”
The BNP leader stated that their party aims to assist the current interim government in properly fulfilling its specific responsibilities, such as restoring democracy following the fall of autocracy.
“Democracy means governing the country through the elected representatives of the people. While fascism has been removed, democracy has yet to be restored. The government has the responsibility to restore it. We hope they will do it correctly and as soon as possible," Nazrul said.
He said political parties, including the BNP, are prepared to give the government a reasonable timeframe for the restoration of democracy. “However, the government’s goals need to be clear to the people. We must understand the nature of their actions.”
The BNP leader also said those who attempt to obstruct the restoration of democracy must be dealt with firmly.
He noted that associates of fascism still hold key positions at various levels of the administration. “We must be vigilant to ensure they cannot plot to bring back the fascist Awami forces."
The BNP leader said over 700 BNP leaders and workers have been subjected to enforced disappearance over the past 15 years, with most of them not returning. “We don’t know whether they are alive or not. Their children, parents, and relatives are still waiting for the return of their loved ones.”
He said more than a thousand BNP leaders and activists were killed during Sheikh Hasina’s regime, while hundreds of thousands were implicated in false cases.
The BNP leader emphasised that the people of the country were freed from Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule through the sacrifices of many students and citizens. “It is now our responsibility to ensure that the people do not face such a regime again."
2 days ago
All European Awami League condemns move to cancel 8 national days
The All European Awami League has sharply condemned what it called the interim government’s “attempt to erase the history of the Bengali liberation struggle.” The organization expressed outrage over the decision to cancel eight national days, including March 7 and August 15.
In a joint statement, All European Awami League President M. Nazrul Islam and General Secretary Mojibur Rahman voiced their surprise at the government's move. “The historic Speech Day on March 7 is recognized by UNESCO, and August 15 is the biggest day of mourning for Bengalis. The importance of these days in our national history is immense,” they said.
Awami League offers Durga Puja greetings to Hindus, calls for peaceful celebration
The organization accused “allies of Pakistan” within Bangladesh of sowing chaos through violence and militancy, which they claim ultimately led to the forced departure of Sheikh Hasina from the country on August 5.
The statement further alleged that, after seizing state power, these groups targeted iconic symbols of the liberation struggle. "They set fire to the historic Dhanmondi 32 house," the statement noted, referencing the residence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
The All European Awami League reported that murals and sculptures of Bangabandhu, as well as monuments honoring the freedom struggle, were defaced, destroyed, and uprooted across the country, including in the capital, Dhaka.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman led Bangladesh’s fight for independence, and his legacy remains deeply entrenched in the nation’s identity, the organization said. The statement emphasized that his family, including his wife, Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Nessa Mujib, played an irreplaceable role in supporting him during the liberation movement. “Their contribution cannot be erased,” they said.
“There is no precedent in the world for erasing history by pressing the reset button,” the statement continued. “It is impossible to erase the national history of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu, and the Bengali people.”
4 days ago
Matia Chowdhury: A revered leader who desired eternal rest in Nalitabari
Matia Chowdhury, known as the “fire daughter” of Bengal, was not the one to seek recognition through name plates or placards.
There are no nameplates in her electoral area bearing her name. Even while serving in government, she was a powerful leader, holding ministerial positions in significant ministries. Despite many important development projects being initiated during her tenure, none bore her name on inauguration plaques.
In a remarkable display of humility, Matia, a senior minister herself, allowed another minister to inaugurate development works in her area.
She even made history by having a common villager inaugurate a large project, a rubber dam, which is a testament to her unique ability as a people's leader. This sentiment is echoed by the residents of her electoral area.
A member of the Awami League presidium, Matia passed away at Evercare Hospital in the capital on Wednesday afternoon. She represented the Sherpur-2 (Nokla-Nalitabari) constituency multiple times.
Her connection to the soil and the people of Nalitabari was so profound that she expressed her desire to be laid to eternal rest there. During various public gatherings, she reiterated her wish to be buried in Nalitabari after her death.
Hablu Dutta, a businessman from Nalitabari, remarked, “The pain of hearing the news of Matia Chowdhury’s death is indescribable. She was a selfless and honest person. Politicians like her are rare. She did not believe in nameplates. There will be no nameplate in the area bearing her name. However, she wished to be laid to eternal rest in the soil of Nalitabari, which she stated at several public gatherings. Her love for the people of Nalitabari was immense.”
Veteran politician Matia Chowdhury passes away at 82
Sumanta Barman, a leader of the indigenous community in Siddhuli village, shared, “Matia Chowdhury was an honest, dedicated, and just politician. She never compromised with injustice and is an icon of Bangladeshi politics.
“Matia Chowdhury will be remembered forever for her role in the anti-Ayub movement, the 1962 protests against Monayem Khan’s education commission, the Liberation War, and the anti-autocratic people’s movement of the ’90s.
“During her time in government, she brought revolutionary changes to agricultural management in Bangladesh. Previously, farmers had to go to agricultural offices; under her leadership, agricultural officers visited the farmers' fields. She established agriculture as a profitable profession, thereby restoring the rights of the poor. With the loss of Matia Chowdhury, we have lost a true people’s leader,” he added.
Meanwhile, Jayashree Das Lakshmi, chairperson of the Sherpur District Women’s Association, reflected on her childhood memories with Matia Chowdhury: “It was her words that inspired me to join the Student Union while in the ninth grade. She was our inspiration. I don’t know if anyone like her will ever be born again. She was closely connected to Sherpur, where her in-laws’ house is located. Shortly after marrying in 1965, Matia stayed at the home of revolutionary Ravi Niogi, a prominent figure in the anti-British movement who had returned from the Andaman Islands, on her way to her in-laws' house with her husband, Bajlur Rahman. At that time, she was a prominent leader, and we called her ‘Apa.’ I was a student in the tenth grade then.”
Matia Chowdhury's body may be buried at the Shaheed Buddhi Jibi Cemetery in the capital. A decision regarding her funeral or burial in Sherpur has yet to be made due to changing circumstances, according to Mohammad Shafiqur Islam Jinnah, General Secretary of the Awami League in Nokla Upazila, who resides in Dhaka.
5 days ago
AL condemns move to cancel 8 significant national days
Awami League on Wednesday condemned the interim government’s move to cancel eight significant national days, including the one commemorating the historic March 7 speech of Bangabandhu and August 15.
“The Bengali nation is rejecting this intention of wanting to fuel the politics of division and reactionary evil forces by erasing the national history of Bengali by pressing the reset button,” the party said in a press release.
It mentioned that the entire nation and people inspired by the spirit of the great Liberation War will unitedly respond to this ‘despicable’ action.
The Council of Advisers took the decision in a recent meeting.
The Cabinet Division is expected to issue a gazette notification in this regard soon.
The days are— March 17 celebrates both the birthday of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children's Day, August 5 marks the birth anniversary of Shaikh Hasina's brother Sheikh Kamal and August 8 the birth anniversary of Hasina's mother Bangamata Begum Fazilatunnecha Mujib, October 18 is observed marking Hasina's youngest brother Sheikh Russell Day, November 4 as National Constitution Day and December 12 recognises Smart Bangladesh Day.
Awami League said that ‘well-planned’ steps are being taken to destroy human values and the spirit of the liberation war. “They are hostile to the brave freedom fighters and those who believe in the spirit of the liberation war.”
Awami League offers Durga Puja greetings to Hindus, calls for peaceful celebration
The press release mentioned that misusing the state apparatus to eliminate the pro-liberation forces from national politics, the interim government is carrying out ‘mass arrests on false charges’. “State has established anarchism in the country, which is called Matsyanyaya.”
Fed up with the government's inefficiency and lawlessness, Awami League said that people have already started saying, “we used to have a beautiful days.”
The press release said that the greatest achievement of Bengal and Bengalis is the establishment of the independent and sovereign Bangladesh state, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation.
“The contribution of the trusted colleagues of the Father of the Nation, the freedom-loving people of the country and his family is indelible. But we can see that all the individuals, institutions and symbolic structures of the liberation struggle are suffering from the vindictive behavior of the government.”
As a result of this, the press release reads, Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and national days related to national history are decided to be excluded from the state activities. “We strongly condemn and protest against such retaliatory measures.”
These included the historic Awakening Speech Day on March 7, Children's Day on March 17, and days of mourning such as August 15, recognized as World Heritage by Unesco.
“The significance of these days in our national history cannot be denied in any way. No one can 'hold' us by pressing the reset button.”
Awami League firmly hopes that truth shall prevail above all.
“The days that were cancelled due to the hatred of the government, the Bengali will observe them socially and culturally with utmost compassion as always and will firmly say, we will come back to the banks of the Dhanshiri River.”
5 days ago
In FB post AL accuse interim govt of protecting the criminals
The Awami League has accused the government of giving imnenity to those who it said were involved in the killing of its activists and policemen during the July-August mass movement.
In its verified Facebook post the party of ousted leader Sheikh Hasina mentioned that "the Ministry of Home Affairs had issued a notification stating that professional criminals and political miscreants associated with the anti-discrimination movement cannot be prosecuted, arrested, or harassed for any crime."
European AL protests govt decision to spare protesters
“This implies that those responsible for the deaths of thousands of policemen, Awami League leaders and workers, as well as those who have injured people, crippled many for life, and destroyed property worth lakhs of Taka, are being given impunity for their actions. In other words, ‘They have given indemnity,’” the statement reads.
The party also said the freedom-loving people of Bangladesh will soon re-establish democracy, revoke the indemnity and bring to justice the murderers, looters, arsonists, and those who have destroyed the country’s wealth.
“Inshallah, this will happen on the soil of Bangladesh," the post said.
5 days ago
Which form of govt and electoral process best suits Bangladesh?
Just two months into the interim government, various discussions on electoral reforms, timelines and systems are gaining momentum, yet the voices and preferences of people seem to be lost in the noise.
While one faction advocates for a parliamentary election, others are calling for a proportional representation system. The real question is: which form of government and electoral process best suits Bangladesh?
A large segment of political parties is advocating for national elections to be held using a proportional representation (PR) system instead of the existing method. But the BNP, one of the major parties, opposes this approach and supports the current system.
However, the Awami League's position in the evolving political landscape remains unclear.
But election experts think neither the government, nor the political parties and voters are prepared for its introduction in the next polls.
They say that while the PR system offers many potential benefits, its feasibility depends on strong political will, public support and the readiness of both political actors and the electorate to transition from the current first-past-the-post (FPTP) system.
The experts suggest that the PR system could be incorporated into the constitution as a directive for future implementation, as it may help create a more vibrant parliament with diverse viewpoints, reduce the influence of money and muscle in elections, and prevent autocracy and fascism.
PR, or proportional representation, is an electoral system where the distribution of seats aligns with the proportion of total votes each party receives. For instance, if a party gets 40 percent of the total votes, the PR system would allocate 40 percent of the seats for it in parliament.
“PR is a good election system. I support it and I have even written a book on why it’s necessary for Bangladesh. However, we won’t be able to implement it in the next national election because we’re not ready. Our government, political parties and voters are unprepared for it,” said renowned election expert Dr Tofail Ahmed.
Read more: Bangladesh needs election-time neutral govt for fair polls: Speakers
He noted that around 70 to 80 countries currently practise some form of proportional representation system worldwide. “It’s encouraging that political parties are advocating for the introduction of the system. However, our voters lack knowledge about it. We must first educate them, and this process will take time to ensure people understand it,” he said.
Besides, the election expert said the PR system encompasses various forms and definitions, reflecting different approaches to achieving proportionality in electoral outcomes. “We need a political consensus on which one we will adopt.”
He said that a significant barrier to implementing this system is that major parties may not accept it, as it could disrupt their dominant power and make it more difficult for them to secure a majority.
“The BNP and Awami League are our two main parties, sharing the support of the majority of voters in the country. The BNP is opposing this system, and we aren’t hearing the views from the Awami League due to the current political situation. I believe they may also not support it. Even if Jamaat had a larger voter base, they likely would not back it either,” Tofail said.
He stated that smaller parties are in favour of the PR system, as it would provide them with the opportunity to secure seats that they might not obtain under the existing system.
“So, implementation of this system is very challenging. We should give the political parties time to understand the PR process and its benefits. It won’t be wise to impose by the interim government without political consensus,” Tofail observed.
He said the reform commission on the constitution can propose incorporating a guideline in the national charter for the introduction of the system and its implementation in phases.
The election expert pointed out that the BNP is discussing a bicameral parliament and a national government, which could ensure the participation of people from diverse backgrounds in governance, creating a balance of power and facilitating lawmaking. “We should now focus on these two issues alongside the restoration of the caretaker government.”
BNP seeks election roadmap, new EC based on political consensus
Chairman of the Jatiya Nirbachon Parjabekkhon Parishad-Janipop, Prof Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, said the PR system exists in various forms in about 80 countries worldwide, and he has been advocating for its implementation since the 1990s.
He emphasised that it is crucial to convince the major political parties about the PR system. “Otherwise, it won’t be possible to introduce this system in the future.”
Former bureaucrat Abu Alam Md Shahid Khan proposed a mixed electoral system that combines proportional representation (PR) with the existing traditional system by increasing the number of parliamentary constituencies from 300 to 450.
“In that case, the current electoral system could apply to 300 constituencies, while the PR system would be used for 150 constituencies,” he explained.
On October 9, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami presented a 10-point state reform proposal, including the introduction of the PR system.
During a seminar on electoral reform on October 12, Jamaat leader Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud, Ganosamhati Andolan Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki, Gana Adhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque, Jatiya Party Presidium member Shameem Haider Patwary, and CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince all advocated for the PR system. Additionally, some Islamic parties, including Islami Andolan Bangladesh, have also called for its introduction.
Contacted, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said the PR system is not suitable for Bangladesh. “We won’t support it. This method is not practised in Bangladesh, so there is no question of its application in the next election.”
Read more: In FB post AL accuse interim govt of protecting the criminals
6 days ago
AL calls for halting arrest of its innocent leaders, workers
Awami League on Thursday urged the army, navy and air force and RAB and police personnel to stop the arrest of innocent party leaders and workers.
“Try to bring the terrorists who torched the policemen inside police stations and carried out looting in the name of agitation and bring them under the law,” the Awami League said in a post on its verified Facebook page.
“Take action against the militant organisations that are roaming before your eyes to create unrest in the country. Do not harass Awami League leaders and workers on the orders of any party or anyone. Become a friend of the people, not of any party,” the party asserted.
Read: Police arrest an Awami League leader in Naogaon's Manda upazila
It said that most of the weapons looted from police stations have not been recovered yet. “If you don't stop those who looted this weapon now, they will fight against you with those weapons. The safety of the people of the country is your responsibility.”
According to data from the Police Headquarters, 5,829 firearms and 6,06,742 bullets were looted from police, different police stations and establishments.
Read more: Awami League calls on supporters, people of the country to celebrate Hasina’s 78th birthday on Sept 28
1 week ago
Student-led movement: AL, Jubo League leaders arrested in murder case
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) arrested a leader of Awami League and a Jubo League leader in connection with the murder of Imon Hossain Akash from Pallabi area on Saturday during the anti-discrimination student movement.
The arrestees are Mohammad Din Islam, a Jubo League leader from Ward No. 3 and Md. Akbar Hossain Jony, Joint General Secretary of the Awami League's Ward No. 2 under Pallabi police station.
On August 4, 2024, Imon Hossain Akash joined a peaceful protest along with other students and civilians in front of the Popular Diagnostic Center near the Mirpur 10 bus stand.
Police rescue kidnapping victim in Hatirjheel, arrest three suspects
During the protest, members of various affiliated organizations of the Awami League reportedly opened fire indiscriminately on the protesters, leaving many people including Imon injured.
Imon was was rushed to Dr. Azmal Hospital where he was declared dead by doctors.
On August 27, Imon’s mother filed a case with the Pallabi police station.
During the investigation, with the help of intelligence and technology, police were able to arrest Din Islam and Akbar Hossain Jony as named suspects in the case.
Ex-AL lawmaker Shahidul Islam arrested: DB
Talebur Rahman, a Deputy Commissioner of PoliceMedia & Public Relations of Dhaka Metropolitan Police said, the accused were produced before the court.
Earlier, Pallabi police also arrested Sheikh Mohammad Wasim, law affairs secretary of Jubo League's Pallabi Police Station, from Pallabi area in connection with the same case on Thursday night.
2 weeks ago
Nanak accuses Dr Yunus of illegal power grab and violence
Awami League presidium member Jahangir Kabir Nanak on Friday accused Professor Muhammad Yunus of illegally seizing power and committing acts of violence, including killing, arson and looting.
“I strongly condemn these atrocities. Those who support these criminals will face justice one day on the soil of Bangladesh, Inshallah,” he stated in a post on the Awami League’s verified Facebook page.
Nanak expressed concern that the everyday the lives of ordinary people are being affected, with soaring prices of essential goods. He accused the government of focusing on eliminating the Awami League rather than addressing these issues.
He also mentioned the desecration of Durga Puja idols, which he said was causing deep distress to the Hindu community.
According to Nanak, criminals involved in looting police stations and possessing illegal weapons are neither being caught nor arrested.
He claimed that these 'militant terrorists' have been allowed to attack both civilians and Awami League members with impunity.
Nanak said the Awami League is alarmed by the ongoing violence against its members, including those in the Juba League and Chhatra League, across various parts of the country.
Awami League calls on supporters, people of the country to celebrate Hasina’s 78th birthday on Sept 28
He blamed the BNP and its allies for these attacks, including looting and arson, while alleging that no legal action was being taken against the perpetrators.
“I strongly condemn these actions,” Nanak said.
He also described the situation in the country as one of extreme misrule, alleging widespread extortion across different regions.
He added that in addition to the violence, Awami League leaders and activists are being arrested on false charges in almost every upazila.
“From teenagers as young as 15 to elderly men of 90, no Awami League leader or activist is being spared from arrest,” he said.
Awami League Expresses Deep Concerns
The Awami League’s top brass has voiced its alarm at the rising number of attacks against its members in recent weeks. Several senior party figures have pointed fingers at the BNP and its affiliates, holding them responsible for the uptick in violence and accusing them of creating a culture of impunity.
While the allegations have yet to be substantiated, the ongoing unrest in various parts of the country has exacerbated tensions between the two political factions, leading to widespread condemnation from civil society groups.
Nanak’s statement also highlighted the adverse impact on religious harmony, as incidents of idol desecration have generated anxiety among minority communities. This, according to him, reflects the deteriorating law and order situation in the country.
2 weeks ago