Home minister labels Awami League a 'mafia party', warns of unrest ahead of its founding anniversary

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has described the activities-banned Awami League as a "mafia party" rather than a political organisation, saying law enforcement agencies have been directed to remain vigilant ahead of the party's founding anniversary on 23 June.

The minister made the remarks today (20 June) after a ceremony at the Secretariat to honour police personnel for their contributions to maintaining law and order.

"I do not consider Awami League a political party; it is a mafia party. Its activities remain banned. However, ahead of its founding anniversary on 23 June, instructions have been issued to remain alert regarding any activities they may undertake," he said.

The home minister said intelligence agencies had received information suggesting that the banned party could attempt to create unrest and instability in the country surrounding the anniversary.

"We have intelligence reports that they may attempt to create disorder and instability on 23 June. Police remain fully active in ensuring the safety of people's lives and property, and field-level officers have been placed on maximum alert to thwart any act of sabotage," he said.

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Salahuddin reiterated that the government does not regard Awami League as a political party and that all of its political activities remain prohibited.

"In this situation, special monitoring and precautionary measures have been taken to ensure that no untoward incident occurs around the party's founding anniversary," he added.

Responding to a question about crime in different parts of Dhaka, including Mohammadpur, the minister said it would not be possible to eliminate crime from specific areas overnight.

However, he said the ministry had adopted targeted action plans to improve law and order in crime-prone areas and that those measures would be implemented gradually to curb criminal activities.