‘Awami League is ‘mafia gang’, not political party’

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman on Tuesday described the Awami League as a “mafia gang”, saying the recent attack on actress Azmeri Haque Badhon 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 Badhon in Italy. Those who carried out the attack also recorded and published videos of it,” he said while responding to reporters’ questions at a press briefing at the Secretariat on the progress of various government activities.

Referring to the attack, Zahed said the process of taking legal action against those responsible had already begun.

“We certainly will not let this go. It cannot be overlooked in any way,” he said.
Regarding the Awami League, he said there had 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.