Scores of National Citizen Party (NCP) activists continued their rally in adjoining street of the Chief Adviser’s official residence, Jamuna, on Friday demanding ban on Bangladesh Awami League for its alleged involvement in July uprising genocide.
Hasnat Abdullah, the chief organiser of NCP’s southern regional unit, has taken position on the steet adjoining Jamuna, on Thursday night. The sit-in demands a clear roadmap for the prosecution of the Awami League and a ban on its political activities.
Many others have joined him at the site, chanting slogans such as: “Ban, ban Awami League,” “My brother lies in the grave, why is the killer free?” and “Freedom, not slavery — freedom, freedom.”
NCP convener Nahid Islam has called upon everyone to join the programme.
At around 9:45 pm, Hasnat Abdullah announced on Facebook that he would begin his sit-in from 10 pm in front of Jamuna unless a clear roadmap is declared to ensure the prosecution of what he called the “genocidal” Awami League and the banning of its political operations.
After 10 pm, the sit-in began with participation from leaders and activists of the NCP and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. Due to the demonstration, traffic in front of Jamuna has been suspended.
At 10:30 pm, in a status from his verified Facebook account, NCP convener Nahid Islam wrote, “We are witnessing delays and evasion regarding the prosecution of the fascist and murderous Awami League. No decision is being made on cancelling its registration or banning it. The accused are being granted bail, and the president of this illegitimate fascist government was allowed to escape before our very eyes. This has eroded our trust in the government’s willingness to ensure justice.”
He further stated, “In July, we pledged that the killers would face trial and the followers of Mujibism would never again be allowed to do politics in Bengal. A final decision regarding Awami League will be made tonight. We will not leave the streets unless a clear roadmap is announced for its prosecution, deregistration, and political ban.”
Nahid Islam called on all forces, families of martyrs, and the injured from the July movement to take to the streets. He wrote, “Our struggle will continue until justice is served.”