Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday assured that the Awami League will be brought to justice as a political organisation through a strictly legal and judicial process for its role in the July uprising.
Addressing a discussion titled “The Turning Point of the Mass Uprising” at the Dhaka University TSC auditorium, the minister clarified that the government does not intend to ban any political party via administrative decrees or executive orders.
“We want the political fate of this organisation, which acted as an accomplice to fascism, to be determined through a complete judicial process,” he said.
He further explained that necessary amendments have been made to the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) Act and the Anti-Terrorism Act, enabling the trial of the Awami League as an organisation alongside individuals.
Salahuddin cited Article 47 of the Constitution, which provides clear provisions for the trial of organisations for genocide and crimes against humanity.
Drawing a parallel with the post-World War II Nuremberg Tribunal that banned Hitler’s Nazi forces and the Gestapo, Ahmed stated that the Awami League cannot evade responsibility for the “unprecedented genocide” involving the killing of children and housewives by state forces.
Regarding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the minister reiterated the government’s firm stance, stating there is no scope for her surrender. He confirmed that a formal letter has been sent for her extradition, and she will be arrested to face court verdicts upon her return.
He also noted that Interpol arrest warrants have been issued for fugitive ministers and officials, which has already led to the arrest of former IGP Benazir Ahmed.
Salahuddin expressed regret that despite the scale of the “massacre,” the Awami League and its leader have shown no remorse, instead labelling the July warriors as “militants”. He warned that the history of the party is one of killing 30,000 freedom fighters via the Rakkhi Bahini, “centuries of rape,” and the establishment of the one-party BAKSHAL system.
Highlighting ongoing reforms, he mentioned that all political parties have signed the ‘National July Charter’ to ensure constitutional and legal changes based on a 31-point agenda. He also announced that Ganabhaban is being converted into the ‘July Memorial Museum’ as a lesson for future governments.
The event, organised by Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), was presided over by its central president Rakibul Islam Rakib. BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel attended as a special guest.
Other speakers included BJCD General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir and Dhaka University Chhatra Dal General Secretary Nahiduzzaman Shipon. The programme concluded with a special prayer for the martyrs of the July uprising.
