The interim government on Wednesday said Bangladesh Awami League would not be allowed to hold any protest programmes until its leadership is brought to justice and held accountable.
“Many, including Awami League’s top leadership, are involved in entire July killings. Such a big killing has happened in Bangladesh’s history before our eyes. They must face the trial first. Our position is very clear,” Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters at a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy.
Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder also spoke at the briefing.
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Alam referred to page number 17 of the Human Rights Watch’s (HRW) report on the July Uprising, saying officers had told them that Sheikh Hasina "directly ordered enforced disappearances and killings."
Responding to a question, he said even those from the Awami League who are clean or who are not involved in the killings are not seen to be remorseful or have not apologised.
No one from the Awami League has come and said that they do not accept Hasina's leadership or that they want clean leadership, he added.
Alam said those responsible for the killings have no regret, rather they are telling more lies. “'Until the Awami League apologises, until their top leadership is brought to justice, until they are held accountable, they will not be allowed to hold any protest programme.”
Since assuming office in early August, the interim government has upheld the principles of freedom of assembly and organisation, ensuring that no lawful protest has been banned or restricted, he said in a Facebook post from his verified account.
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Highlighting this commitment, a recent report indicated that at least 136 protests have taken place in Dhaka over the past five and a half months, some of which have led to significant traffic congestion, he said, adding that the interim government has refrained from imposing any bans on these demonstrations.
In his Facebook comment, Alam posed a question, “Will any country in the world allow murderers and corrupt figures to return to power?”
He said no country allows a return to normal activities without accountability and the people of Bangladesh will give a strong response to any protest or gathering by these “murderers”.
“The interim government represents the people of Bangladesh. We will not allow any attempt to push the country towards violence. If anyone dares to hold illegal protests under the banner of Awami League, he/she will have to face the law,” Alam said.