Thirteen accused including nine former ministers of the ousted Awami League government have been produced before the  International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in cases over the killings during the July-August mass uprising. ICT chief prosecutor Md Tajul Islam said they were produced before the tribunal on Monday after showing them arrested in cases over crimes against humanity. All the accused are now behind the bars in other cases, he added. Those who were produced before the tribunal are former law minister Anisul Huq, civil aviation and tourism minister Lt Col (retd) Faruk Khan, Workers Party president Rashed Khan Menon, Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal president Hasanul Haq Inu, former state minister for posts, telecommunications and information technology Zunaid Ahmed Palak, former prime minister's power, energy and mineral resources adviser Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury. Read: We’ll seek repatriation of dictator Sheikh Hasina: Prof Yunus Ex minister Dr Dipu Moni,  Hasina’s adviser and businessman Salman F Rahman, former minister Kamal Ahmed Majumder, former minister Golam Dastagir Gazi, former justice Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, former home secretary Jahangir Alam and former minister Dipu Moni were among them. Though former agriculture minister Dr Abdur Razzak was supposed to be produced with the above ones, he could not be produced due to his illness. Earlier on October 27, the ICT ordered to produce the 14 accused on November 18. Besides, the court ordered to produce former IGP Abdullah Al Mamun, former army official Ziaul Ahsan, former police officials Abdullah Al Kafi, Arafat Hossain, Abul Hasan and Mazharul Islam on November 20. Various complaints including that of killing,  torture, abduction and harassment  were lodged with the ICT after the Sheikh Hasina-led government was toppled on August 5. Over 1000 people were killed and many injured during the July and August uprising, which began as protests over government jobs and later escalated into an anti-government movement, leading to widespread violence and the end of Hasina's 15-year rule.

BNP senior leader Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Monday urged students and the mass people to put up a strong resistance to prevent the resurgence of the Awami League and its associates. "The fascist face of the Awami League that has been exposed must remain unveiled and its cohorts must be prevented from gaining control over the government or rising again. To thwart this, the freedom-loving students and the masses must remain vigilant, united, and resolute in resisting any such attempts." Dr Moyeen made the remarks while inaugurating a financial support and rehabilitation programme for the students injured during the July-August revolution at the National Ophthalmology Hospital in Agargaon, Dhaka. BNP leaders accuse AL of using Trump’s image for political comeback He said the BNP and other parties played a crucial role through a long movement in creating a ground for the ousting of the Awami League's autocratic regime. "Subsequently, students and the masses joined the movement, and in the face of this popular uprising, the Awami regime was not only defeated but also fled the country like cowards," the BNP leader said. He said the fall of the Awami League regime had proven that truth and justice ultimately triumph over injustice, repression, and suppression. Dr Moyeen, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, said the first phase of the student-led mass movement was the formation of the interim government and their swearing in. "The second phase is securing a fair election, which we have yet to achieve. BNP firmly believes in a fair and impartial election. Once that is held, and a truly people’s representatives take charge of the country through the people's vote, the success of this movement will be realised," he added. Later, Dr Moyeen visited patients who had sustained various injuries during the movement at the hospital and provided financial assistance to 51 of them.  

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement has announced a mass gathering at Zero Point in Gulistan, Dhaka, demanding the trial of the fallen 'autocratic' government led by Awami League. The program will be held tomorrow, starting at 12 PM. This has been confirmed by the coordinator of the movement, Umama Fatema. Umama's fellow coordinator Hasnat Abdullah shared on his Facebook page that similar programs are being organized in districts across the country under this theme. He emphasized that the protests should avoid any public inconvenience or violence. He warned that the Awami League's "terrorists" might engage in vandalism and arson in disguise, intending to blame students and the public. He urged that any Awami League members found should be handed over to the police. Hasnat also mentioned that the gathering will be a spontaneous participation of all political, cultural parties, and organizations that support the people's uprising. Earlier, Awami League announced a program on the same day at the same venue, just a few hours later at 3pm - ostensibly to mark Noor Hossain Day. The party stated on its verified Facebook page: "Join us in Dhaka in masses to protect independence, sovereignty, democracy, and establish justice." Read: 2 buses burnt in Dhaka’s Gulistan since this morning This was AL's first call for such a program since August 5. Interest around the proposed program peaked with the leak of a call record over the weekend, where former prime minister Sheikh Hasina is heard urging a junior activist to stage a showdown on occasion of Noor Hossain Day, taking advantage of what she perceives to be the interim government's weakness at the moment. She is also heard instructing the worker to adorn the usual posters for the meeting featuring images of Hasina herself, and her father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, with that of US president-elect, as well as formerly, Donald Trump - in a naked attempt to stoke the Republican's ego and enlist his support for the return of AL and Hasina to power in Bangladesh. Shafiqul Alam, the press secretary of the Chief Advisor, wrote on his Facebook that Awami League, as a fascist party, will not be allowed to organise any protests in Bangladesh. Alam warned of a strong law enforcement response against anyone attempting to organize rallies, marches, or meetings under the instructions of the "mass murderer" and autocrat, Sheikh Hasina.

Amidst calls to ban the Awami League and Jatiya Party, BNP senior leader Gayeshwar Chandra Roy on Monday stated that it is ultimately up to people to determine whom to accept or reject, through a transparent national election. Speaking at a discussion, he expressed that restoring democracy will serve as a form of retribution for those who have undermined it. “We have been asked to clarify BNP's stance on banning the Awami League and Jatiya Party. Why should the BNP need to clarify its position on this issue?” Gayeshwar questioned. He added that both the people of Bangladesh and the BNP desire the interim government to quickly hold the national election. “People will decide who should be rejected and who should be accepted through the election. So, any imprudent decision will not bring welfare or peace to the country,” he stated. BNP delegation set visit China at Chinese Communist Party’s invitation The Swadhinata Forum, a pro-BNP platform, organised the programme at the Jatiya Press Club to commemorate National Revolution and Solidarity Day on November 7. Gayeshwar, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, said that the term ‘reform’ became stigmatised during the 1/11 political changeover due to ulterior motives. He said that while there is widespread support for necessary state reforms, attempts to consolidate power by banning a political party or promoting depoliticisation will not serve the nation’s interests. BNP announces 10-day prog to observe ‘National Revolution and Solidarity Day’ “Those who deserve banning have, in effect, banned themselves and departed from the country; now there is no one to raise their banner or slogans,” he asserted. The BNP leader said political parties should not engage in retribution against each other. “We are fighting for democracy, and the restoration of democracy is the means of taking that revenge on (the Awami League).” He also mentioned that Sheikh Hasina had to leave the country due to her long history of disregarding the law. “After her downfall, how could she abide by the law? If she were not afraid of the law, she would not have left the country; she would have stayed in jail.”

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has said the Awami League exhibited “all the characteristics of fascism”, saying it has “no place” in the country’s politics for now. In an interview with the Financial Times, Prof Yunus also said that Bangladesh will not pursue the extradition of Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India, until the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal delivers its verdict. Bangladesh's success under Prof Yunus is in India's best interest: American-Indian businessman Khosla Prof Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, expressed a firm stance against the Awami League, the party led by Hasina. “In the short run, definitely she has no place — the Awami League doesn’t have a place — in Bangladesh.” He further criticized the party’s tactics: “They controlled the people, they controlled the [political] machinery, they controlled the institutions to enhance their interest.” Awami League has faced accusations from political opponents and human rights groups over election rigging, extrajudicial killings, and seizing control of state institutions during Hasina’s lengthy rule. Since her departure, discussions in Bangladesh have emerged on whether to temporarily suspend the party, mandate its reform, or ban it from political involvement altogether, the Financial Times report said. Rohingya Crisis: Prof Yunus seeks urgent int’l conf to find solution The Chief Adviser speculated that Awami League might collapse, but he emphasized that any decision regarding the party’s political future would be the prerogative of other political parties, as his interim government is not “a political government.” He noted that whether Awami League could participate in future elections would depend on a “consensus” among political parties. “They have to decide their political space,” he said. Prof Yunus, known for his pioneering work with Grameen Bank and as a self-described “banker to the poor,” had previously been targeted by Hasina’s administration. His interim government, which includes student leaders, is setting the stage for elections and has established 10 commissions for reforms in key institutions like the police, judiciary, and public administration, added the report. He expressed no intention of forming a political party or joining politics, saying, “Our job is to get things settled and get a new reform agenda done,” before engaging political parties in election preparations. The fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government has strained relations with India, which had been her key supporter. Prof Yunus mentioned that while his government would eventually seek her extradition, they would wait for a tribunal verdict. “She is charged with crimes against humanity...when the verdict comes out, we’ll try to get her back through the extradition treaty” with India. He did not believe there was cause to pursue this before a verdict, the report also said. Hasina’s son, Sajeeb Wazed, had earlier dismissed allegations of her responsibility for violence against protesters, claiming she was prepared to face any charges as she “did nothing illegal.” After Hasina’s ousting, many of her supporters went into hiding, with reports of retaliatory violence against Awami League members. Chief Adviser Yunus also acknowledged the impact of India’s lukewarm support on his government, noting that the two nations are closely interconnected through power, water, and infrastructure projects, and share a long history. He extended an invitation to Modi, saying, “We tried to… emphasize the fact that we are neighbors, we need each other, we must have the best relationship that any two neighbors should have.”

A writ petition seeking to ban the political activities of 11 parties, including the Bangladesh Awami League and the Jatiya Party, has been officially withdrawn.  The petition, which had also called for the 10th, 11th, and 12th national elections to be declared illegal, was dismissed at the High Court on Tuesday. The High Court bench of Justice Fatema Najib and Justice Mahmudur Raji passed the order after the petitioners’ lawyer, Ahsanul Karim, informed the court that his clients no longer wished to proceed with the application. Rana Plaza tragedy: Appellate Division stays Rana’s bail The petition had been filed on Monday by three coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, Hasnat Abdullah, Sarjis Alam, and Hasibul Islam, who sought to legally challenge the activities of key political parties on grounds that were not specified in court documents. The withdrawal means that parties including the Awami League, Jatiya Party, JSD, Jatiya Party (JP), Tariqat Federation, Ganatantri Party, Communist Party of Bangladesh, Bikalpa Dhara, Liberal Democratic Party, Bangladesh Samyabadi Dal (ML), and Bangladesh National Socialist Party (BASAD) can continue their political activities as usual.

Sarjis Alam, a prominent coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement that recently played a central role in unseating the Sheikh Hasina-led government, clarified that their writ petitions to the High Court did not call for an outright ban on the Awami League or its registration as a political party. In a post on his verified Facebook page, Sarjis clarified the specifics of two writ petitions filed with the High Court on Monday. He said that neither petition directly seeks to ban the AL, addressing the confusion that had arisen across social media platforms, particularly on Facebook, regarding the petition’s intent. Rail authorities taking action after 'Awami League Zindabad' slogan displayed at Kamalapur According to Sarjis’s statement, the two writs filed include: A request for an explanation as to why the last three elections held under the Awami League’s governance should not be declared illegal, alongside a demand that any wealth accumulated unlawfully during this period be returned. A request for the AL to be barred from political activities until a verdict is reached on the matter. Sarjis, along with Hasnat Abdullah, another coordinator from the student movement, filed the petitions, which seek restrictions on the political activities of the former ruling party but do not call for a ban on its existence or official registration. 'Awami League plotting rehabilitation’: Hasnat Abdullah The clarifications from Sarjis come amid widespread speculation on social media, with many online users initially misinterpreting the petition as a request to prohibit the AL from functioning as a political entity altogether.

Hasnat Abdullah, coordinator of the Anti-discrimination Student movement, has said that Awami League is secretly plotting rehabilitation to regain political power, following recent events and statements. In a video message posted on his verified Facebook page on Monday afternoon, Hasnat alleged that the AL was maneuvering to restore its hold on the country, despite the recent political upheavals. ‘Only the signboard of the syndicate has changed’: Hasnat Abdullah He referred to a statement by President Mohammed Shahabuddin, where the president said that no resignation letter had been submitted by Sheikh Hasina before fleeing the country. Hasnat interpreted this as a sign that the Awami League was strategizing a comeback under the guise of political rehabilitation. "We have seen Chhatra League's recent activities at Chittagong University, where they appear to be laying the groundwork for rehabilitation," added Hasnat. "In Dhaka, various factions of the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League are attempting to regroup. When you connect these incidents, it becomes evident that they are trying to revive the fascist structure." He also expressed concerns about administrative and judicial efforts being made to aid the party's rehabilitation, claiming that "attempts are underway to restore the Awami League through institutional mechanisms." To counter this, the coordinator emphasized the need for national unity, calling on citizens to join forces to resist the party’s resurgence. Referring to past political alliances, he said, "Before August 5, we were all united against the tyranny of Awami League. We stood together as the oppressed, fighting against the oppressor." He lamented that individual interests had caused divisions after August 5, creating an opening for the Awami League to plot its return. Hasnat urged people to stay united, rise above political affiliations, and resist the party's rehabilitation efforts. "We must maintain our presence on the streets and ensure the Awami League is uprooted from the soil of Bangladesh," he said, calling for a permanent ban on the Awami League, Chhatra League, and Jubo League. In response to President Shahabuddin's comments, Hasnat posted on Facebook, claiming, "Hasina has been ousted; the people have overthrown an illegal government through an uprising. There is no question of a resignation letter here."

BNP senior leader Nazrul Islam Khan on Saturday urged democratic political parties to maintain their unity, rising above narrow political interests, to resist the revival of Awami fascism. Speaking at a memorial discussion meeting in the capital, he also called upon the government to fulfill its duty of restoring democracy through elected public representatives as soon as possible. The BNP leader also said those who have oppressed the people of the country over the past 16 years have neither expressed regret nor shown remorse, and they continue to work to harm the nation. “We must remain aware and united, with our goals steadfast. Unfortunately, it seems we have not learned our lesson despite facing so much repression and suppression,” he said. Nazrul, a BNP standing committee member, also lamented that one pro-democratic party is making derogatory comments about another solely for narrow political interests, which serves no purpose. “We could oust autocracy and fascism with the mass unity we have forged. If this unity is compromised in any way, that fascism and autocracy will revive, and none of us will be spared. That’s why we must not jeopardise our unity,” he said. The BNP leader said their party aims to collaborate with all forces—right, left, moderate, and Islamic—to build the country and ensure the welfare of its people. “We want to ensure that the people of this country are never again subjected to fascism and repression. We also advocate for freedom of the press, but not its abuse.” Jamiat Ulema-e Islam arranged the progarmme at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh in memory of its former leader and ex-MP Mufti Mohammad Wakkas. Later, the party’s national council was also held at the venue. BNP smells a blueprint to establish those who ‘sell independence’ He warned that the cohorts of the autocratic regime are making various efforts to create division among democratic forces. “We must resist all such evil efforts.” The BNP leader stated that their party aims to assist the current interim government in properly fulfilling its specific responsibilities, such as restoring democracy following the fall of autocracy. “Democracy means governing the country through the elected representatives of the people. While fascism has been removed, democracy has yet to be restored. The government has the responsibility to restore it. We hope they will do it correctly and as soon as possible," Nazrul said. He said political parties, including the BNP, are prepared to give the government a reasonable timeframe for the restoration of democracy. “However, the government’s goals need to be clear to the people. We must understand the nature of their actions.” The BNP leader also said those who attempt to obstruct the restoration of democracy must be dealt with firmly. He noted that associates of fascism still hold key positions at various levels of the administration. “We must be vigilant to ensure they cannot plot to bring back the fascist Awami forces." The BNP leader said over 700 BNP leaders and workers have been subjected to enforced disappearance over the past 15 years, with most of them not returning. “We don’t know whether they are alive or not. Their children, parents, and relatives are still waiting for the return of their loved ones.” He said more than a thousand BNP leaders and activists were killed during Sheikh Hasina’s regime, while hundreds of thousands were implicated in false cases. The BNP leader emphasised that the people of the country were freed from Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule through the sacrifices of many students and citizens. “It is now our responsibility to ensure that the people do not face such a regime again."

The All European Awami League has sharply condemned what it called the interim government’s “attempt to erase the history of the Bengali liberation struggle.” The organization expressed outrage over the decision to cancel eight national days, including March 7 and August 15. In a joint statement, All European Awami League President M. Nazrul Islam and General Secretary Mojibur Rahman voiced their surprise at the government's move. “The historic Speech Day on March 7 is recognized by UNESCO, and August 15 is the biggest day of mourning for Bengalis. The importance of these days in our national history is immense,” they said. Awami League offers Durga Puja greetings to Hindus, calls for peaceful celebration The organization accused “allies of Pakistan” within Bangladesh of sowing chaos through violence and militancy, which they claim ultimately led to the forced departure of Sheikh Hasina from the country on August 5. The statement further alleged that, after seizing state power, these groups targeted iconic symbols of the liberation struggle. "They set fire to the historic Dhanmondi 32 house," the statement noted, referencing the residence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The All European Awami League reported that murals and sculptures of Bangabandhu, as well as monuments honoring the freedom struggle, were defaced, destroyed, and uprooted across the country, including in the capital, Dhaka. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman led Bangladesh’s fight for independence, and his legacy remains deeply entrenched in the nation’s identity, the organization said. The statement emphasized that his family, including his wife, Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatun Nessa Mujib, played an irreplaceable role in supporting him during the liberation movement. “Their contribution cannot be erased,” they said. “There is no precedent in the world for erasing history by pressing the reset button,” the statement continued. “It is impossible to erase the national history of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu, and the Bengali people.”