Gono Odhikar urges EC to bar Awami League, allies from next election
The party also addresses the issue of possible proxy or ‘dummy’ candidates contesting the election under independent banners
Gono Odhikar Parishad today (28 July) urged the Election Commission (EC) to ensure that the Awami League — along with its political allies, the Jatiyo Party and members of the 14-party alliance — is barred from participating in the upcoming national election.
The party's General Secretary Rashed Khan made the call after submitting the party's financial report for the previous year at the EC headquarters in Agargaon, Dhaka.
Khan said, "The government has already banned the organisational activities of the Awami League. However, it has yet to take any action against the Jatiyo Party and the 14-party alliance — groups that aided the Awami League in establishing a fascist regime. Just as the Awami League's registration has been suspended, the same must be done for its allies. We came here to learn what steps the EC has taken in this regard."
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
He added that the chief election commissioner informed them the commission lacks the authority to act unilaterally, and that similar government directives would be required before suspending the registrations of the Jatiyo Party and the 14-party alliance.
Addressing the issue of possible proxy or 'dummy' candidates contesting the election under independent banners, Khan said, "We asked whether Awami League members would be allowed to run as independents, as reportedly happened in 2024. The CEC confirmed that anyone who previously held a party position would not be eligible to contest. On this point, there is consensus."
Khan further stated, "If the government issues a ban on the Jatiyo Party and the 14-party alliance and halts their organisational activities — even as early as tomorrow — the Election Commission has assured us that it will move to suspend their registrations without delay. Following this discussion, we will be submitting a written memorandum to the government and the chief adviser."
He also disclosed the party's financial details, reporting that in 2024, Gono Odhikar Parishad earned Tk46,04,300 and spent Tk45,96,088, leaving a surplus of Tk13,212.
Criticising the recent electoral record, Khan said, "The last three national elections have brought shame to the nation. While the government has acted against the Awami League, it must also take firm action against its allies by suspending their registrations."
