AL ban debate: BNP suspects a ploy to postpone the elections

BNP leaders argue that recent calls to ban the Awami League (AL) are deliberate attempts to sow discord between the military and the public, ultimately fueling political unrest. They view these actions as part of a calculated effort to disrupt the electoral process.

National Citizen Party (NCP) leader Hasnat Abdullah recently alleged a conspiracy to reintroduce the AL into politics at India's behest. According to him, a proposal to accommodate a "refined Awami League" was presented at a meeting in the cantonment.

His remarks triggered a political storm. While the BNP supports holding AL leaders accountable for misrule and misconduct, it opposes an outright ban on the party. BNP leaders insist that such decisions should rest with the people rather than being imposed through government directives or political maneuvering.

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed stated, "We cannot support any action that threatens national stability and unity. Politics should remain in the hands of politicians and must be conducted in the nation's best interest." He added that the BNP believes the AL must face trial for genocide and crimes against humanity under Article 47 of the Constitution, which allows amendments to the International Crimes Tribunal Act.

"The court should determine whether the Awami League can continue participating in elections and political activities," Salahuddin said. At the same time, he criticized the government for initially considering legal amendments to prosecute the AL as a party, only to later reverse course.

"Instead, the government chose to suppress the party's political activities through police force," he added.

He further claimed that the people of Bangladesh rejected AL's "fascist politics" through the July uprising, accusing the party of failing to show remorse or seek forgiveness for its actions.

Reaffirming the BNP's commitment to multiparty democracy and political inclusivity, its leaders warned that endorsing a ban on any party contradicts their core principles. They cautioned that dragging the military into political disputes could destabilize the country ahead of the December election.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir told this newspaper, "The demand for banning the AL is a deliberate attempt to create chaos and delay the electoral process."

He warned that statements suggesting military pressure to reinstate the AL were politically motivated and aimed at making the armed forces controversial. "Such maneuvers are extremely dangerous for the country's sovereignty and independence, and we cannot support them," he said.

BNP leaders accused the NCP of attempting to pressure the interim government by manufacturing one political crisis after another. They argued that banning the AL through an executive order would set a dangerous precedent.

While BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman did not directly address the issue, he urged the interim government to avoid actions that could allow fugitive allies of the previous regime to regain political influence.

Speaking virtually at an iftar event on Friday, he expressed concern over how minor issues were being inflated into major political crises. He emphasized the need to prioritize the national election over local government polls, warning, "The allies of the fallen autocrat still possess thousands of crores of looted state funds. Holding local elections before the national polls would only help rehabilitate these fugitive fascists in politics."

At the same event, Fakhrul stressed the importance of responsible action. "At this moment, everyone—politicians, professionals, government officials, and citizens—must act in a way that promotes democratic progress," he urged.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi further clarified the party's position, questioning the justification for banning the AL if its leadership is free from corruption or violence.

"If the Awami League is led by individuals untainted by student killings, embezzlement, or money laundering, why should it be banned? If justice is served, and the people then choose to allow them in politics, we have no objections," Rizvi said.

The NCP’s demand for an AL ban and its allegations against the military followed a statement by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus. He asserted that the interim government has no plans to ban the AL but assured that individuals within the party accused of serious crimes, including murder and crimes against humanity, would face prosecution in Bangladeshi courts.