People will decide Awami League’s political fate, not courts or govt: BNP’s Zahid

BNP Standing Committee member AZM Zahid Hossain today (1 October) asserted that the banning of the Awami League is not a matter for the courts or the government, but one that must be decided by the people.

"Those responsible for genocide, enforced disappearances and killings must face justice," he said at a discussion organised by the Azhar Shafiq Foundation at the National Press Club, criticising the Chief Adviser's recent remark that the Awami League may resume political activities, which he said has created fresh political uncertainty.

The BNP leader stressed that his party has consistently called for accountability, demanding that those who gave the orders for genocide and mass violence be brought under the purview of the law, regardless of their position — whether a prime minister or an overzealous official.

"The Awami League speaks about the Liberation War of 1971, yet shows no remorse for the massacres of 2024," Zahid said.

"Do those who operated torture cells, plundered property, acted out of vengeance, and staged rigged midnight voting feel any remorse? They must be brought to justice. The Awami League must unconditionally apologise to the people, and it will be for the people to decide whether to forgive them," he added.

Zahid also pointed to the possibility of national elections in February, saying the BNP wants that election to take place. He noted that for many years, citizens have been denied their right to freely elect representatives, and that opportunity must finally be restored through a credible vote.