Staff Reporter :
Protests demanding a complete ban on the Awami League (AL) continued in Dhaka on Saturday, with thousands of demonstrators taking to the streets under various political and organisational banners.
The rallies, sit-ins, and processions saw protesters vowing to prevent the Awami League from being rehabilitated in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
At a rally in front of the National Museum in Shahbagh, Akhtar Hossain, Member Secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), reaffirmed their firm stance against the Awami League’s political future.
“We have sworn by the blood of our brothers who laid down their lives on the streets- as long as there is a single drop of blood in our veins, we will not allow the Awami League to engage in politics,” he declared.
The rally, organised by the Dhaka Metropolitan chapter of the NCP, was part of a broader movement calling for the trial of the Awami League for alleged crimes, the cancellation of its registration, and the prohibition of its political activities.
Hossain further emphasised that the removal of the Awami League from power was anything but peaceful. “The Awami League did not step down through any peaceful transition.
It was ousted amid rivers of blood spilled on the streets by thousands of people. We may be reborn, but we will never allow the Awami League to be rehabilitated. Every time the Awami League has come to power, the lives of ordinary people have been at risk.”
Nahid Islam, Convenor of the NCP, speaking at an iftar and prayer gathering in Bakshibazar, echoed similar sentiments. “The Awami League turned into a fascist force due to 1/11. Bangladesh will never witness another 1/11. Those involved in the July killings, including the Awami League and its accomplices, must face justice,” he asserted.
The protests were supported by student groups, who actively joined the movement. Under the banner of “July Mancha,” students occupied Shahbagh intersection, disrupting traffic as they called for an immediate ban on the Awami League.
The “Warriors of July,” a forum representing the families of those killed and injured in the July 2024 uprising, issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the interim government to outlaw the party.
During a demonstration at the Raju Memorial Sculpture on the Dhaka University campus, protesters vowed to escalate their movement if their demands were not met.
“If necessary, students and the people will once again take to the streets and shed blood, but we will not allow the Awami League to continue in politics,” declared one protester.
Traffic police stationed at Shahbagh noted that protesters began their sit-in around 1:30 p.m., leading to congestion as they chanted slogans calling for the party’s ban. Despite the disruption, law enforcement refrained from direct intervention.
In another rally, Shakil Mia, an organiser of the July Movement, criticised the Awami League’s history. “All those associated with the Awami League are involved in some form of crime.
Therefore, we want its registration to be cancelled,” he said. Another protester added, “The Awami League should not be allowed to participate in the next election. Given its misdeeds over the past 16 years, no good worker of the party can be found.”
The protesters also called for trials against those allegedly involved in looting, disappearances, and killings during the Awami League’s tenure. The “July Warriors” forum reinforced their ultimatum, demanding that the office of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus take immediate action.
“We are announcing through the media that if the Awami League is not banned within 48 hours, we will launch another movement like in 2024. We are not afraid of death. As long as we live, we will not let killer Hasina’s Awami League return,” declared Sujon, a survivor of the July uprising.
The escalating protests have placed significant pressure on the interim government, which now faces a critical decision as it navigates mounting public and political demands.
