NCP rally demands AL's trial for ‘genocide’, registration cancellation, and activity ban
Published : 23 Mar 2025, 01:19 AM
National Citizen Party (NCP) Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain has sworn by the blood of “our fallen brothers, we will not allow the Awami League to engage in politics as long as we are alive”.
Expressing his determination to prevent the rehabilitation of the party ousted in a mass uprising, he also warned if any person or institution tries to stand up for the AL, the students and the public will be out on the streets and create all-out resistance against it.
Akhtar made these remarks at a protest rally organised outside the National Museum in Dhaka’s Shahbagh on Saturday.
The rally was organised by the newly formed Dhaka Metropolitan Branch of the NCP, including student leaders who led the Uprising, demanding the trial of the AL for “genocide,” cancellation of its registration, and a ban on political and organisational activities.
The issue of AL's involvement in politics resurfaced after Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus's discussion with International Crisis Group (ICG) President and CEO Comfort Ero on Thursday.
There, Yunus highlighted the interim government has no plans to ban Awami League.
He mentioned the party's leaders who are accused of murder and crimes against humanity will be brought to justice in Bangladeshi courts.
After his statement, NCP leaders voiced their opposition to any move to bring Awami League back into politics.
At the rally in Shahbagh, Akhtar said: “Awami League’s political and organisational activities must be banned.”
“They did not leave Bangladesh through any peaceful event. That murderous, fascist party left through the loss of thousands of lives and bloodshed in the streets.
“Every time it has come to power, the lives of ordinary Bangladeshis have been at risk.
“The Pilkhana massacre, the 2013 massacre, the Shapla massacre, the 2024 massacre— the Awami League has never expressed regret, remorse, or take responsibility for any of them.
“The surprising thing is despite the passage of seven months, the interim government has not initiated any judicial proceedings against them.
“Their registration must be cancelled soon. If it is not, students and the public will take to the streets to ensure its cancellation.”
Calling on all political forces in Bangladesh, he said: “The July Charter must mention the ban on the Awami League.”