NN Online:
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has welcomed the interim government’s decision to prosecute individuals linked to genocide and crimes against humanity, describing it as a “timely and rightful step.”
In a statement signed by Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday, the BNP said the move to amend relevant laws to initiate the trial process against the Awami League and its affiliated organizations marks an important development toward ensuring justice.
“We’re pleased that, although delayed, the interim government has decided to wind up the activities of the fascist party Awami League and all its wings to enable the trial of those responsible for crimes against humanity,” the statement read.
Fakhrul noted that the BNP had long been demanding such action. “If the government had taken this decision earlier, in response to our repeated appeals, it could have avoided the awkward situation of acting under pressure,” he said.
He recalled meetings with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, including a written proposal submitted on February 10, calling for the Awami League to face trial as a political entity accused of committing genocide and other atrocities.
“We reiterated this demand in our latest meeting on April 16, urging that all individuals associated with the former fascist regime be brought to justice and the political space be cleansed of such elements,” he added.
The BNP emphasized that banning a political party like the Awami League through legal channels is both possible and necessary. Fakhrul said the party had consistently raised this demand through meetings, rallies, and public discussions.
Highlighting the BNP’s stance on political bans, Fakhrul pointed out that the party had also opposed the former government’s administrative decision to ban Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami just before its collapse, reaffirming BNP’s position against arbitrary party bans.
Reiterating the call for a national election roadmap, Fakhrul said:
“For the past 16 years, people have been denied their voting rights. Despite enforced disappearances, killings, repression, and arrests, they have remained steadfast in their fight for democracy. Yet their call for elections remains unanswered.”
He urged the interim government to acknowledge the growing public frustration and swiftly announce a specific roadmap to restore democracy in the country.
