Have full trust in Bangladesh Army, won’t accept interference in politics ‘from cantonment’: Hasnat Abdullah
AL must be banned through a judicial process, says the National Citizen Party leader
Highlights:
- Hasnat says some trying to pit countrymen against army
- Doesn't want AL banned through executive order, but judicial process
- Emphasises dominance of India won't be allowed any longer
- NCP member secy Akhtar asks govt to cancel AL party registration
Expressing full support and trust in the Bangladesh Army, National Citizen Party's Chief Organiser (South) Hasnat Abdullah yesterday said political interference "from cantonment" will not be accepted in post-uprising Bangladesh.
Speaking at a rally in the capital's Shahbagh in the afternoon, and demanding the trial of Awami League (AL) and cancellation of AL's registration as a political party, Hasnat said those who work in the cantonment should limit their work to there.
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"We have full confidence in the Bangladesh army, full confidence in the institution. We have no anger towards any person. We want to tell all not to attack this institution and destabilise the country. You should remain uncompromising on the question of your sovereignty," he said.
Clarifying the party's stance regarding the army, he said, "Some are trying to make the countrymen stand against the army; our position is not against the army. Our position is against those who want to destabilise the country by pitting the army against us."
The NCP leader said the AL must be banned through a judicial process.
He said, "We have yet not seen the visible steps we were expecting from you. We do not want the AL to be banned through an executive order, but if the crimes committed by the AL — the way it has taken away people's freedom of speech, carried out murders and disappearances — are truly tried, it will not return to the land of Bengal even in the next 300 years."
Hasnat also said as long as a single NCP member is alive, the AL will not be allowed to be rehabilitated in Bangladesh.
"The AL didn't flee the country through votes. It was forced to flee through the mass protest. Nowhere in the history of the world has anyone who fled in the face of mass protest been brought back for election," he said.
Regarding India's influence, he said, "The reel of this country was in India, but the kite flew in Bangladesh. We cut the string through 5 August. The dominance of India will not be allowed to continue in Bangladesh."
Addressing the rally, NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain also said the ban on the AL should be clearly mentioned in the July Charter.
"The people of Bangladesh have given their decision on the Awami League by sacrificing their lives. We will not let them do politics with the AL name as long as we have a single drop of blood in our bodies. The AL boat has been washed away in the Bay of Bengal, it cannot be returned to Bangladesh," Akhtar said.
Criticising the interim government, he said it was a surprise that it failed to start judicial activities against the AL even seven months after the uprising.
"Their registration must be cancelled as soon as possible," he demanded.
Akhtar also rubbished the idea that AL had any good leadership, adding, "They have not accepted responsibility or regretted any killings so far. Whoever works for the Awami League, the people of Bangladesh will mount all-out resistance against them."
The rally started at around 3:30pm. After the leaders' speeches, a procession chanting slogans left for the Central Shaheed Minar from Shahbagh.
Demanding ban on AL
A group of students under the banner of "July Mancha" yesterday gathered at Shahbagh intersection, demanding a ban on the AL.
They started protesting in the middle of the intersection at around 3pm, chanting slogans demanding the ban of the AL. Their demonstration continued until 4:30pm.
Vehicles were seen moving slowly past the protesters amid traffic congestion.
The protesters said while students and the public may have differences on various issues, there is consensus that the Awami League must be banned. Whether it is "refined" Awami League or the party under any other name or cover, it will not be allowed to engage in politics in this country.
They warned that if necessary, students and the people will once again take to the streets and shed blood, but will not allow the Awami League to continue in politics.
Meanwhile, several other organisations and students from Dhaka University also staged a rally yesterday, demanding a ban on the AL, reports UNB.
The speakers also demanded a trial for those involved in looting, disappearances, and killings during the Awami League's rule.
"July Warriors", a forum formed by the families of the martyrs and injured victims of the July uprising, yesterday gave the interim government 48 hours to ban the AL.
It issued the ultimatum from a protest rally held at the Raju Sculpture on the Dhaka University campus.
