United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday described Awami League as a “mafia gang,” saying the attack on actress Azmeri Haque Badhan has once again raised questions about whether the party should be allowed to engage in politics in Bangladesh.  “We have seen the video of the attack on Azmeri Haque Badhan. Those who carried out the attack also recorded and published videos of it,” he said while responding to questions from reporters at a press briefing at the Secretariat on the progress of various government activities. Referring to the attack, Zahed said the process for taking legal action against those responsible has already begun. “We certainly will not let this go. It cannot be overlooked in any way.” On the Awami League, he said there have been extensive discussions over whether it should be considered a political party. “I do not consider the Awami League a political party. It is a mafia gang,” he said.  “If you have even the slightest remorse for what you have done, and if you have any intention of returning to politics, these acts of violence would not have happened. They would not have happened in any way,” he said. The adviser also described the attack on Badhan as a kind of “achievement” and “honour” for the actress, saying it showed that she has been on the right path. Addressing Badhan, he said, “Being harassed by the Awami League, being victimised by a mafia gang, proves that you are actually on the right path.” Referring to Badhan identifying herself as a “July fighter” during a Facebook Live session, Zayed said, “Yes, I am.” He added that many others shared the same position and could also face attacks. “But we don’t care. Not at all,” he said.