Staff Reporter :
Dr Asif Nazrul, the Law Adviser to the Interim Government, has expressed his opposition to the idea of banning the Awami League as a political party, arguing that such a move would not be wise.
Speaking to the media at his office in the Secretariat, Asif Nazrul highlighted the historical significance of the Awami League and its constitutional rights, while also acknowledging concerns regarding the party’s recent actions.
When questioned about the calls to ban the Awami League, Asif Nazrul referred to a recent protest by the Attorney General’s office against such demands. “I don’t support banning any political party unless they are involved in militancy or seditious acts,” he stated.
The law adviser underscored the importance of conducting a fair investigation before making any extreme decisions regarding political parties suspected of illegal activity. “If a party truly engages in militancy or sedition, only then could banning be considered, and that too after an extremely fair probe,” he added.
Citing the Constitution of Bangladesh, which enshrines the right to form and run political organisations, Asif Nazrul pointed out that this constitutional protection is a key reason for his stance.
Meanwhile, Dr. Asif Nazrul, the interim government’s Adviser for the Law Ministry, expressed hope that cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, who is implicated in a murder case, will not be arrested if he returns to the country.
Dr. Asif made this statement during a conversation with journalists at his office in the Secretariat on Wednesday, August 28. When asked about the murder case filed against Shakib Al Hasan, Dr. Asif Nazrul commented that the trend of arresting sports figures began under the Awami League’s tenure. He remarked, “Shakib has not brought anything significant for the country; rather, he has achieved much for himself.”
He further questioned why there was no similar concern when footballer Aminul Haque, who had brought accolades to Bangladesh and served as the captain of the national team, was arrested and tortured. “No one bothered to know about his whereabouts,” he added.
The Law Adviser also stated, “This is a matter for the police administration. We have conveyed as much as we could. A case does not necessarily mean an arrest. I believe that the Ministry of Home Affairs will take the proper initiative.”
He concluded by saying, “I hope Shakib will not be arrested. As far as I know, instructions have been given to our police force regarding this matter.”
He also emphasised the crucial role that the Awami League has played in the country’s independence and democratic movements. “The Awami League was instrumental in the struggle for independence and has contributed significantly to democratic movements in Bangladesh,” he said.
However, Nazrul expressed disappointment in the party’s recent trajectory, noting that its actions over the past 15 years do not reflect its traditional values and the spirit of the Liberation War. He was critical of the current leadership, stating that the Awami League had established what he described as “barbaric fascism” in the country. He suggested that the responsibility for these actions could rest with individual leaders or the party as a whole, but he reaffirmed his belief that banning the party outright would be unwise.
When asked about characterisations of the Awami League as a “criminal organisation,” Nazrul offered a clarification. He defined a criminal organisation as one that denies the existence and sovereignty of Bangladesh, seeks to eradicate democratic politics, and orchestrates armed movements aimed at destroying society based on the principles of the Liberation War.
Nonetheless, he stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of expression within a democratic society, even when opinions are critical.
Nazrul concluded by stating that while accountability is essential, the banning of a political party should only be considered under extreme and well-proven circumstances.
