Dhaka: Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan has asserted that the Awami League should be held accountable as a party for the killings during the July-August 2024 uprising. "We believe the Awami League must be tried as a party for the massacres it carried out during the July 2024 uprising," he stated.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Asif Mahmud made these remarks in response to a journalist's query on Thursday at the International Crimes Tribunal premises, following his testimony as a prosecution witness in a case related to the killing of six civilians in the Chankharpul area on August 5, 2024. He emphasized that many who benefited under Awami League rule are attempting to rehabilitate the party, but the people of Bangladesh will not allow this after more than 1,500 deaths and nearly 30,000 injuries. He added, "If the struggle must continue, we are ready to do so."
Asif Mahmud also addressed two cases concerning enforced disappearances that occurred under Awami League rule, describing recent developments as a milestone. He noted that the International Crimes Tribunal and the Enforced Disappearance Commission have faced obstacles over the past year. "Our Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus gave clear instructions that those involved in these heinous acts must be punished. Yesterday, we reached a milestone with the issuance of arrest warrants against them," he said.
He described the warrants as a victory for the government and the justice system and urged that the arrest process and proceedings be conducted properly. "There must be no effort from any quarter to shelter or protect the offenders," he stated.
Regarding the repatriation of fugitives accused of crimes against humanity, Asif Mahmud affirmed that the government would take all necessary measures. "The government will take appropriate steps, in line with the law and existing prisoner-exchange agreements with other countries, to bring them back," he concluded.