Staff Reporter :
Tensions have escalated as the interim government and political parties have issued stern warnings against the Awami League’s (AL) planned demonstration to commemorate Shaheed Noor Hossain Day today (Sunday).
The government, along with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has issued statements condemning the deposed ruling party’s intentions, with both warning of strict actions against what they describe as potential “anarchist activities” by the Awami League.
Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the interim government’s chief adviser, issued a severe condemnation of the Awami League’s activities, labeling the party a “fascist” organization.
In a public Facebook post, Alam asserted that the AL’s planned protest at Noor Hossain Chattar in Dhaka’s Zero Point area, scheduled for 3:00 p.m., would not be permitted, calling for the prohibition of AL-led gatherings.
“Awami League in its current form is a fascist party.
There is no way this fascist party will be allowed to hold protests in Bangladesh,” Alam stated. He warned that any attempts to organize gatherings under orders from Sheikh Hasina, whom he labeled as a “mass murderer and dictator,” would be met with the full force of law enforcement agencies.
Alam emphasised that the interim government “will not tolerate any violence or any attempt to disrupt law and order.”
Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, Adviser for Labor and Employment as well as Youth and Sports, echoed similar sentiments on Facebook, pledging strict action by law enforcement against any attempts by “genocidal or banned organizations” to hold public gatherings.
Bhuiyan stated, “If anyone from genocidal or banned organizations attempts to hold programs, law enforcement agencies will take strict action,” further underlining the government’s zero-tolerance stance against the AL’s planned demonstration.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also issued a cautionary statement, warning against what he described as a rise in fascist activities in certain areas.
He expressed disappointment over media outlets that he believes are promoting these movements, which he argues will not serve the public good. Addressing the nation, Fakhrul emphasised the importance of seizing the current political opportunity to prevent future oppression.
“We must not let go of this opportunity that has now arisen. If we lose this chance, our existence as a nation will be in jeopardy,” Fakhrul said, calling for unity among opposition supporters.
The Awami League, despite warnings, has remained steadfast in its plans to hold a rally to commemorate Shaheed Noor Hossain Day, a day of significance in Bangladesh’s history as it honors the memory of Noor Hossain, a young activist killed in 1987 during protests against autocracy.
In a press release on its Facebook page, the AL emphasized that its rally is aimed at “eliminating undemocratic forces and restoring the democratic system,” and announced parallel gatherings at district and upazila levels.
