Government to prohibit AL from 'political participation'

The interim government plans to block the Awami League (AL) and its allied parties from engaging in political activities, the Chief Adviser's office stated yesterday. "Those who participated in the last three elections and entered parliament through deceit have betrayed the people. The interim government will certainly place obstacles in their political participation," said Mahfuj Alam, the special assistant to the Chief Adviser. 

Alam further explained, "These barriers will be implemented both legally and administratively, and you will see how it unfolds when the election process begins." His remarks followed a discussion with 10 political parties.

Responding to a question about potentially banning the AL and its allies, Alam said the decision would be made after consulting various political parties, emphasizing that "the government will not make this decision unilaterally."

At the meeting with Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus, some political parties advocated for either banning the AL and its allies or at least preventing them from participating in the next national election. Notably, the Jatiya Party (JP) and other AL-affiliated parties were not invited to the talks.

Alam added that the government excluded AL's allies from the dialogue as they provided "silent support" and participated in what he described as "illegal elections," further accusing them of supporting fascism and complicity in genocide.

Regarding the formation of the Election Commission, Alam noted that a search committee would soon be established to appoint new election commissioners. The preparation of a voter list and other election-related discussions would proceed in parallel with ongoing reforms.

During the dialogue with political parties, election timelines, reforms, AL's alleged financial misconduct, and the prosecution of those responsible for mass killings in July and August were key topics of discussion, according to Alam.

Meanwhile, Yunus assured the political parties of efforts to stabilize prices, improve law and order, and ensure stability in the garment industry. 

Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the Chief Adviser, added that the government is investigating how top AL leaders, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, managed to flee the country during the political upheaval. He emphasized that efforts to apprehend those involved in the July-August violence are ongoing.

Regarding demands for changes in the advisory council, Deputy Press Secretary Azad Majumder said several political parties had proposed excluding controversial advisers and expanding the council. Yunus had listened to these suggestions and would respond after due consideration.

In their talks with Yunus, political parties urged the interim government to expedite the national election after completing the necessary reforms. They also called for measures to control price hikes and improve law and order.

Political leaders, including Gonoforum, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Jatiya Mukti Council, and others, participated in the discussions. They emphasized the need for reforms before the election, warning that failing to complete reforms could return the country to its previous state. 

LDP President Oli Ahmed called for the AL to be banned, accusing it of waging war against the Bangladeshi people in July-August. Andaleeve Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), also advocated for action against the AL and its allies, emphasizing that the process to ban them should begin.

Meanwhile, Jatiya Mukti Council Secretary Faizul Hakim called for a new constitution and demanded that Hasina be repatriated from India to face trial, accusing her of plotting against the nation. He also called for addressing market syndicates, establishing a ration system, and improving wages in the garment sector.

Amid recent controversy over statements about Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and March 7, Sharif Nurul Ambia, President of Bangladesh Jasod, urged the government to correct its stance, arguing that Bangabandhu should not be blamed for the mistakes of Hasina’s previous government.

Labour Party President Mostafizur Rahman Iran called for reforms in the advisory council itself, noting that while student representatives were performing well, most other advisers had "failed."

As of now, the AL, its allies, and the JP have not been invited to participate in the dialogue with Yunus.