Awami League outlawed
Staff Reporter :
In a dramatic escalation of political tensions, Hasnat Abdullah, Chief Organiser (South) of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has announced a ‘March to Jamuna’—the official residence of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus—citing the government’s failure to declare a clear roadmap for banning the Awami League.
The announcement came at approximately 8:45 p.m. on Saturday, following the expiration of a deadline issued by NCP and its allies. Abdullah accused the interim government of stalling on a crucial decision, despite mounting pressure from protestors and political organisations.
As of 10:30 p.m., large groups of demonstrators had taken position along the Shahbagh to Rajashik Intersection, in front of the InterContinental Hotel. The sit-in, now in its second consecutive day, has brought traffic in the area to a near standstill.
In response to the growing unrest, the interim government convened an emergency meeting of the Advisory Council. Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, earlier confirmed that the meeting would specifically address proposals to formally proscribe the Awami League under an amended International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Act. The council session was still in progress at the time of reporting.
The ongoing protest, led by NCP and its coalition partners, has emerged as a flashpoint in the capital’s increasingly volatile political landscape.
Protesters—including students, youth leaders, and political activists—gathered at Shahbagh around 3:00 p.m. Saturday, rallying under a shared call to resist what they described as “fascist forces.”
Speeches were delivered beneath the large digital billboard at the centre of Shahbagh, where organisers reiterated three core demands: the formal designation of the Awami League as a “terrorist organisation,” legal proceedings under the ICT Act, and the release of a “July Declaration” outlining the movement’s national agenda.
Among the prominent voices were Hasnat Abdullah, northern organiser Sarjis Alam, UP Bangladesh convener Ali Ahsan Zonaed, and Sibghatullah from Islami Chhatra Shibir.
Groups such as July Mancha and Inqilab Moncho also joined, forming a broad-based alliance.
“This is not a partisan protest—it is a national movement against fascism,” Abdullah declared.
“Bangladesh is now divided into two sides: those who stand with justice, and those who stand with fascism. Supporting the ban on the Awami League is standing with the nation.”
Despite health concerns and increasing pressure to de-escalate, Abdullah reaffirmed his commitment: “Even if I fall ill or am forced to step aside, this movement will not end. Do not leave the streets until our demands are met.”
Throughout the day, demonstrators chanted slogans including “Ban the Awami League, it must be banned” and “Detain Awami League leaders, one by one.” Sarjis Alam urged protesters to maintain discipline, requesting that only one microphone be used to ensure unified messaging.
The blockade at Shahbagh is the latest in a series of coordinated actions by NCP and its affiliates. On Thursday night, protesters held a vigil outside Chief Adviser Yunus’s residence, which lasted until Friday noon.
That was followed by a rally at Minto Road intersection from noon to 4:30 p.m., culminating in a procession to Shahbagh where the current blockade was initiated.
With tensions mounting and the Advisory Council still deliberating, all eyes are now on the government’s next move—particularly whether it will act on the protesters’ demands or risk a prolonged political crisis.