Dhaka: July Monch, an organization born from the fervor of the July uprising, today called for a ban on the Awami League (AL) as a political entity. The group organized a rally in front of the national museum in the capital this afternoon, urging the cancellation of AL’s registration.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, leaders from various political and non-political organizations participated in the event. Mosaddek Ali Ibne Mohammad, a coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, expressed his disappointment that nine months have passed since the removal of the Awami League from the country at the cost of lives, yet the struggle for rights continues. He emphasized that their primary demand to the interim government was to ban AL and ensure justice for the atrocities committed by the party; however, the government appears to be ignoring their pleas.
Mosaddek further highlighted the inconsistency of the government’s stance, noting that when the ban was initially proposed, it was claimed that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) opposed it. However, when BNP denied such claims, government advisers cited international pressure and legal issues as obstacles. He asserted that neither students nor citizens would allow any foreign agenda to take root in the country.
Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesman for Inqilab Monch, echoed the demand for banning AL, accusing certain government officials of attempting to reintegrate them under the guise of a ‘good Awami League.’ He condemned recent AL processions in the capital as a direct threat to democracy and the movement’s objectives.
During the rally, Sahina Begum, the mother of martyr Sazzad Hossen Sojol, spoke emotionally about her son’s sacrifice for the nation. She accused the AL of being responsible for his death and demanded the party’s permanent ban, along with a speedy trial for ousted leader Sheikh Hasina and compensation for martyrs’ families.
Golam Rahman, father of martyr Golam Nafiz, recounted his son’s academic achievements and his tragic death in police firing. He implored the Chief Advisor to deliver justice for the killings during the July movement, warning that failure to do so would result in national condemnation.
The rally featured speeches from prominent figures such as the President of Gono Odhikar Parishad Nurul Haque Nur, assistant secretary general of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ehsanul Mahbub Zubair, and other leaders from various political organizations. They collectively demanded the cessation of AL activities and the identification of those seeking to reintegrate the party, to prevent similar conduct by any political entity in the future.