NCP Convener and Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam on Tuesday demanded justice for alleged disappearances, killings and mass atrocities committed during the Awami League’s tenure, accusing the government of failing to make meaningful progress in prosecuting major cases.
The demand came at a rally organised by the Dhaka metropolitan unit of the alliance at Bijoy Nagar in the capital.
Nahid attended the programme as a special guest and expressed frustration over what he described as the slow pace of justice.
“Two years after the mass uprising, we are still forced to take to the streets to demand justice. This is both unfortunate and frustrating,” he said.
Criticising the progress of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), Nahid alleged that no new verdicts had been delivered and no fresh investigation reports had been submitted in the four months since the formation of the new government.
He claimed that those responsible for advancing the judicial process had failed in their duties and called for immediate corrective measures to ensure the prosecution of those accused in cases related to killings and alleged crimes against humanity.
Nahid also urged the government to ensure justice in several high-profile incidents, including the Pilkhana killings, the Shapla Chattar operation, the July uprising-related deaths and the killing of Osman Hadi.
Turning to the issue of the Awami League’s political future, he alleged that the party was responsible for widespread repression, enforced disappearances and political violence over the past 16 to 17 years.
“The Awami League faces questions over its role in alleged mass atrocities, while other political forces must also answer to the people on issues of reform,” he said.
He added that the alliance would continue its campaign both inside and outside parliament in pursuit of reform, justice and national sovereignty. Nahid also criticised the performance of several government ministries, alleging failures in the areas of justice, public security and information management.
He warned against any attempt to rehabilitate the Awami League politically, arguing that the party had lost its legitimacy following the events of 5 August.
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman attended the rally as chief guest.
Among the special guests were Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish Ameer Maulana Mamunul Haque, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari and other senior leaders of the 11-party alliance.
