Student leaders press to keep AL away from elections

The interim government is currently facing a dilemma over whether to ban the Bangladesh Awami League (AL) from participating in politics and elections. 

Student leaders, who were at the forefront of the July-August uprising, are adamant about excluding the Awami League from politics and elections. In contrast, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), a major political force, opposes any move to ban political parties.

While the BNP and its allies are pushing for early elections, leaders of the Students Against Discrimination demand the exclusion of the Awami League, insisting that necessary reforms must be completed before any elections take place. They have placed significant pressure on the interim government to clarify whether the Awami League should be allowed to participate in the political process.

In an interview with Indian media outlet The Hindu, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus stated, “This is already announced. We didn’t want to take decisions about political parties, and the BNP has done that, saying all political parties must contest elections.” He emphasized that the BNP's stance could not be disregarded, which has reignited the debate over banning the Awami League. The BNP’s position is seen as an obstacle, fueling perceptions in political circles.

Student leaders have expressed anger over BNP's reluctance to support the ban on the Awami League, with some threatening further protests to prevent any attempts to reinstate the party. Sarjis Alam, a leader of the Students Against Discrimination, voiced his frustration on social media, stating, “We will not allow the Awami League to participate in any election before the genocide trial. If necessary, there will be a second uprising.”

BNP’s position has created a rift, as it has been reluctant to back the student leaders' call for the removal of the Awami League-appointed President Mohammed Shahabuddin, fearing it could lead to further political instability. 

Since the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in August and the establishment of an interim government, student leaders have strongly advocated for the banning of the Awami League. On October 23, the interim government banned the Awami League’s student wing, the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL). However, the BNP, which has long opposed the Awami League and called for Sheikh Hasina's resignation, has not supported the student leaders’ demand for a complete ban on the party.

The interim government is reportedly working on a draft amendment to the International Crimes (Tribunal) Ordinance, which will be presented to the Advisory Council for approval. However, this draft does not give the court direct authority to take action against political parties, although it can recommend disciplinary measures if necessary.

Regarding the upcoming elections, the interim government is committed to holding elections only after completing necessary reforms, a stance shared by the student-led movement. The BNP, while calling for swift elections, has not explicitly supported the need for reforms to be completed first. 

In a recent speech, Chief Adviser Yunus stated that the election process has already begun but emphasized the need to complete several tasks before the election can take place. The interim government has made it clear that elections will be held after completing essential reforms, including changes to the electoral process and the constitution.

Political sources suggest that the BNP is pressuring the government to expedite the election process, while student leaders are increasing their pressure on the BNP by accusing it of trying to rehabilitate the Awami League.