Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said on Saturday that Awami League fascist forces, responsible for enforced disappearances, genocide, and crimes against humanity over the past 17 years, will never again be allowed to engage in politics on Bangladeshi soil.
Speaking as the chief guest at a rally at Sadek Hossain Khoka field near Dholaikhal in Dhaka, he emphasized that following the mass uprising, there is no place for fascism or autocracy in the country.
The event, held on Saturday afternoon, was chaired by State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
During his speech, Salahuddin assured that the trial of everyone involved in genocide would be ensured through the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), with the number of tribunals to be increased if necessary.
Addressing deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s virtual meetings from India with party leaders and her announced return in December, Salahuddin noted that she is a convict sentenced to death for crimes against humanity.
He added that the government has officially requested her return through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Bangladesh-India extradition treaty.
“We also want her to return to the country and face trial,” he said, calling upon foreign governments sheltering convicted individuals to hand them over, while reassuring that the judicial process is of international standard with full rights of appeal.
Salahuddin, who is also a BNP Standing Committee member, urged party leaders and activists to abandon person-centric slogans and bring about a radical shift in political culture. He stressed that slogans must focus on political struggle against fascism and honour the blood of martyrs.
Highlighting the achievements of the government’s first seven months, Salahuddin pointed out that the administration was formed with immense public expectations to restore political discipline, undertake constitutional reforms, and consolidate democracy.
He criticised opposition groups for launching a one-point demand for government downfall and long-march programmes after just seven months, noting that while an anti-government movement might be understandable after four years, such agitation at seven months is baseless – especially when the opposition was offered participation in the Constitution Reform Commission.
Regarding the recent fuel price adjustment, the Minister highlighted surging fuel prices globally and in neighbouring countries.
He noted that the Prime Minister refrained from increasing fuel prices by even one taka during the first month to prevent public suffering, but a minimal price adjustment became necessary to curb cross-border fuel smuggling and align with international market rates.
Expressing regret for the temporary hardship, he assured that fuel prices in Bangladesh would be reduced proportionally as soon as international market prices drop.
Concluding his address, the Home Minister called on the public to remain united against fascism, reminding them that fascism was brought down through blood on the streets and that everyone must work together to consolidate the democratic process.
