Interim govt has no plan to ban AL, says chief adviser

The interim government has no intention of banning the Awami League despite ongoing discussions about legal actions, including referring its leaders to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague following a UN fact-finding mission that reported potential crimes during the July uprising, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said today (20 March).

"It is very much on the table," Professor Yunus said while speaking with a delegation from the International Crisis Group led by Dr Comfort Ero.

The chief adviser also stated that the interim government has no plans to ban Awami League, but individuals within its leadership accused of crimes, including murder and crimes against humanity, will be tried in Bangladesh's courts.

He reiterated the government's commitment to hold elections on schedule, said a press release issued by the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.

Mentioning that the government has set two possible timelines for the elections, he assured the group the dates would not change.

Professor Yunus explained that if political parties seek a limited number of reforms prior to elections, then the elections will be held in December. If a larger reform package is desired, then elections will take place by June next year. 

"We have no reason to change the election dates," he added, emphasising that the upcoming elections will be free and fair.

The chief adviser also shared that the Consensus Building Commission began talks with political parties today. 

He said there are plans to finalise and sign the July Charter, which will guide the government's policies.

The International Crisis Group officials praised the arrest of Rohingya insurgent leader Ataullah this week, calling it a sign of the interim government's commitment to peace and stability in the refugee camps.

They also emphasised the need for increased engagement with the Arakan Army, which controls much of Rakhine State in Myanmar. 

Professor Yunus noted that Dhaka is working to mobilise aid for Rohingya refugees and hopes the upcoming special UN conference on the Rohingya crisis will draw global attention to the issue.

Dr Comfort Ero expressed her group's support for Bangladesh in countering misinformation targeting the country and its interim government. 

Professor Yunus concluded by expressing Bangladesh's desire for strong relations with India, though he lamented that much of the misinformation campaign against Bangladesh has originated from Indian media.