Ban on AL necessary to protect sovereignty, election internal matter: Dhaka on Delhi's remarks
Highlights
- Elections are internal affairs; sovereignty must be respected
- India criticised over comments on Awami League ban
- Awami League accused of undermining democracy and sovereignty
- Ban justified for national security and protecting tribunal witnesses
- Reforms underway to restore democratic institutions
Responding to India's remarks on Bangladesh's affairs, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Tuesday said elections are entirely an internal matter and urged all to respect the sovereign will of its people in matters relating to elections.
"We urge all to respect the sovereign will of our people in matters relating to elections," he wrote on a Facebook post this evening (13 May), in response to questions from UNB.
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Asked about his reaction to India's comments on banning Bangladesh Awami League, Alam said they have witnessed how Awami League completely destroyed the country's democratic fabric, severely impacted the political space and compromised sovereignty during its 15-year long rule.
"The wounds caused by the crimes against humanity perpetrated by this party are still fresh," the press secretary said.
He said, "I have already said the ban on activities of this party is necessary to protect national security and sovereignty, ensure the safety of July Movement activists and safeguard plaintiffs and witnesses of the International Crimes Tribunal."
As for elections, Alam said they recall how Awami League repeatedly resorted to grossly farcical elections and caused irreparable damages to our electoral processes and institutions.
"We are engaged in a reform process to rebuild our democratic system," he said.
