Ban on Awami League divides BD voters
"The government has taken the right decision," said Jahangir Alam, whose 19-year-old son was killed during the mass uprising that forced Hasina into exile in August 2024, ending the 15 years of iron-fisted control by her once all-powerful Awami League party.
"Because of her, the Awami League is now ruined," Alam said, demanding Hasina return from India to comply with the arrest warrant on charges related to the crackdown that killed at least 1,400 protesters.
"Who gave Sheikh Hasina the authority to kill my son?" said Alam, the father of Ibrahim Hossain Zahid, accusing 77-year-old Hasina of being a "mass murderer".
"People used to hang Mujib's photo over their heads," he said. "Because of Sheikh Hasina's wrongdoing, that photo is now under our feet."
Political fortunes rise and fall quickly in Bangladesh. Hasina's government was blamed for extensive human rights abuses and protesters demanded that the interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus take action.
The South Asian nation of some 170 million people last held elections in January 2024, when Hasina won a fourth term in the absence of genuine opposition parties.
Yunus promises that inclusive elections will be held by June 2026 at the latest.
Among those demanding the Awami League ban was the National Citizen's Party made up of many of the students who spearheaded last year's uprising.
Others were supporters of the Hefazat-e-Islam group and Jamaat-e-Islami, the largest Islamist political party.
Jamaat-e-Islami was banned during Hasina's time in power and several of its leaders were tried and hanged. Unsurprisingly, its members were vocal supporters of the ban.
The government banned the Awami League on May 12 after protests outside Yunus's home, pending the trial of Hasina.
"The oppressed have begun becoming oppressors," said Latif Siddiqui, a veteran Awami League member and former minister, adding that the party was wider than Hasina alone.
"She is not the whole Awami League," he said. "Many loved the party."
Human Rights Watch issued stinging criticism on Thursday, warning that "imposing a ban on any speech or activity deemed supportive of a political party is an excessive restriction on fundamental freedoms that mirrors the previous government's abusive clampdown".
However, political analyst Farhad Mazhar, an ideological guru for many student protesters, said the ban was required.
"The democratic space may shrink, but the Awami League has shown no remorse," Mazhar said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
2 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Bangladesh to hold elections in February 2026, says Yunus
People use coloured smoke and wave flags as they celebrate the one year anniversary since student-led protests ousted Bangladesh's former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, at Manik Mia Avenue, outside of the parliament building, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, August 5, 2025. PHOTO: REUTERS Listen to article Bangladesh interim leader Muhammad Yunus said on Tuesday he would ask the election commission to hold a national election next February. Earlier thousands of exultant Bangladeshis gathered in Dhaka on Tuesday to mark the first anniversary of the mass protests that toppled former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as the interim government unveiled a symbolic roadmap promising democratic reform. Rallies, concerts, and prayer sessions were held in the capital as people in the Muslim-majority South Asian nation celebrated what they called the country's 'second liberation'. The events culminated with Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus formally reading out the 'July Declaration' – a 28-point document that seeks to give constitutional recognition to the 2024 student-led uprising, sparked by economic woes and repression, that forced Hasina to flee to India on August 5. Also Read: Dhaka shows interest in coal, limestone import 'The people of Bangladesh express their desire that the student-people uprising of 2024 will get proper state and constitutional recognition,' said Yunus, the de facto prime minister who heads the interim government installed after Hasina's ouster, as representatives of political parties looked on. People watch Muhammad Yunus, leader of Bangladeshi interim government, as he appears on a screen while reading the July Declaration, during celebrations marking the one-year anniversary of student-led protests that led to the ousting of Bangladeshi then-Prime-Minister Sheikh Hasina, at Manik Mia Avenue, outside the parliament building, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, August 5, REUTERS 'The July Declaration will feature in the schedule of the reformed constitution as framed by the government formed through the next national election,' he said. Supporters see the charter as a foundation for institutional reform, but critics have warned its impact could be largely symbolic in the absence of a legal framework or parliamentary consensus. Earlier on Tuesday, in a message to the nation, Yunus said: 'Together, we will build a Bangladesh where tyranny will never rise again,' As he paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives. A peaceful, fair and transparent election could be held early next year, he said, pledging a return to full democratic rule amid mounting pressure for a swifter transition and growing labour unrest. 'Fallen autocrats and their self-serving allies remain active,' he added, urging unity to protect the gains of the uprising while his government holds reform talks with political parties and civil society. His interim government had launched sweeping reforms, he added, while trials for those responsible for the 'July killings' of 2024 were progressing swiftly. Mixed emotions Crowds waving flags, holding placards, and chanting slogans gathered near parliament, including some who had been injured in the protests. 'On this day in 2024, the tyrant Sheikh Hasina fled the country,' said Ahmedul Hasan, who was accompanied by his sister. 'I was here last year too. I've come again to remember that moment and join the celebrations.' Others were less exuberant. 'Even after all the bloodshed and sacrifice, a truly liberal democracy in Bangladesh still feels like a distant dream,' said Sabbir Ahmed, a college student from Jamalpur who participated in last year's protests. Read More: Bangladesh to unveil democratic reforms on coup anniversary Police were on high alert throughout the capital, with armoured vehicles patrolling the streets to deter any attempt by Hasina's banned Awami League to disrupt the day's events. 'Let this anniversary not be a day of retrospection, but a rallying cry for a brighter tomorrow,' Hasina said in an open letter to the people of Bangladesh, adding that she had never resigned from her duties as prime minister. 'Bangladesh has overcome adversity before, and we will rise again, stronger, more united, and more determined to build a democracy that truly serves its people.' Despite some opposition, it is backed by major political groups, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former premier Khaleda Zia. Supporters see the charter as a foundation for institutional reform, but critics have warned its impact could be largely symbolic in the absence of a legal framework or parliamentary consensus.
Business Recorder
3 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Bangladesh to hold elections in February 2026: Yunus
DHAKA: Bangladesh will hold elections in February 2026, interim leader Muhammad Yunus said Tuesday, the first polls since a mass uprising overthrew the government last year. 'On behalf of the interim government, I will write a letter to the Chief Election Commissioner requesting that the election be arranged before Ramadan in February 2026,' Yunus said in a broadcast on the one-year anniversary of the ousting of prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Nobel Peace Prize winner Yunus, 85, is leading the caretaker government as its chief adviser until elections, and has said he will step down after the vote. Thousands to join Bangladesh rallies, concerts one year after Hasina's ouster 'We will step into the final and most important phase after delivering this speech to you, and that is the transfer of power to an elected government', he said. Yunus had earlier said elections would be held in April, but key political parties have been demanding he hold them earlier, and before the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in the Muslim-majority nation of 170 million people. 'I urge you all to pray for us so that we can hold a fair and smooth election, enabling all citizens to move forward successfully in building a 'New Bangladesh'', he added. 'On behalf of the government, we will extend all necessary support to ensure that the election is free, peaceful and celebratory in spirit.'
Express Tribune
5 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Direct flights from Quetta approved to facilitate Arbaeen pilgrims: Khawaja Asif
Listen to article The federal government has authorized the Balochistan government to operate direct flights from Quetta to facilitate Shia pilgrims traveling to Iran and Iraq for Arbaeen, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told the National Assembly on Tuesday. 'To mitigate these risks, the federal government authorized the Balochistan government to operate direct flights from Quetta,' he said, 'allowing pilgrims to travel safely by air to their destinations'. He informed the House that overland travel along the 800-kilometre route from Quetta had been restricted due to serious security concerns, particularly the threat of terrorist attacks targeting pilgrim convoys. قومی اسمبلی کے اجلاس کے دوران وفاقی وزیر برائے دفاع خواجہ محمد آصف کا عراق اور ایران جانے والے زائرین کے لئے مہیا کردہ سفری سہولیات کے حوالے سے اظہار خیال #NASession @KhawajaMAsif — National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) August 5, 2025 Asif said one such flight has already been launched and the government is vying for either two flights daily or at least one regular service to meet growing demand. He said arrangements have also been made for onward transportation from airports in Iran and Iraq to the pilgrims' intended sites. The minister added that advertisements were issued over the past four days inviting private airlines to operate on the route, and that all licensed carriers have been granted permission. Chartered flights have also been approved to maximize safe travel capacity. Read: Six MPAs arrested in Punjab as PTI launches 'nationwide' protest 'These measures are aimed at offering maximum facilities while avoiding the security hazards of road travel,' he said, urging potential operators and the market to take full advantage of the permissions granted. He said the matter had also been discussed during the recent visit of the Iranian president to Pakistan, after which Iran had allowed an additional flight to support the movement of Pakistani pilgrims. 'I want to assure the House and the people across Pakistan that the government is fully committed to ensuring safe, comfortable, and timely transportation for all Arbaeen pilgrims,' he added. Resolution on Youm-e-Istehsal The National Assembly unanimously passed a resolution to mark Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir (Kashmir Exploitation Day), condemning India's actions in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), amid heated protests and sloganeering by opposition members. During the session, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, on a point of order, said, 'today is being observed as Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Kashmir, but you are observing Youm-e-Istehsal-e-Imran (Imran Exploitation Day).' قومی اسمبلی کے اجلاس کے دوران وفاقی وزیر برائے امور کشمیر، گلگت بلتستان اینڈ سٹیٹس اینڈ فرنٹیئر ریجنز انجینیئر امیر مقام نے یوم استحصال کشمیر کے موقع پر اظہار خیال کرتے ہوئے قرارداد یوم استحصال کشمیر پیش کی جو ایوان نے متفقہ طور پر منظور کی#NASession @AmirMuqamAM… — National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) August 5, 2025 He added that the latter 'could have been observed on another day.' Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the opposition had an equal role in upholding the dignity and smooth functioning of the House. The opposition staged a protest over not being allowed to speak. 'The Prime Minister went to the opposition leader's seat and said, 'come, let's talk'." He claimed that under the guise of peaceful protest, armed groups had launched attacks. He questioned whether the Kashmir day or PTI's exploitation narrative was more important, prompting another round of opposition uproar. Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq urged calm and requested the House to allow Minister for Kashmir Affairs Amir Muqam to present a resolution on Kashmir first. Muqam appealed to the opposition to permit passage of the resolution, assuring them they could protest afterward. The opposition paused their protest to allow the resolution. Amir Muqam, presenting the resolution, said India continues to unleash atrocities on the Kashmiri people. 'India unilaterally and illegally abrogated Articles 370 and 35A,' he said, adding that thousands of youth had been martyred, children orphaned, and women widowed. Read more: Six MPAs arrested in Punjab as PTI launches 'nationwide' protest 'Despite these atrocities, the love for Pakistan in the hearts of Kashmiris has not diminished,' he said. The resolution, moved by Muqam, condemned India's actions of August 5, 2019, termed them a violation of the Geneva Conventions, and denounced Indian statements regarding Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. It called for the implementation of UN resolutions and demanded access for UN observers to IIOJK. Later in the session, PTI MNA Aamir Dogar criticized the government, saying, 'You have sentenced our members to ten years each.' He added, 'if everyone is thrown out, what kind of House is this?' and claimed that ten MNAs were 'lifted' from the House without any action from the Speaker. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq responded by asking, 'Did I not issue production orders?' Dogar claimed that Sheikh Waqas Akram's applications had been submitted to the Speaker's office. 'You subjected MNAs to political victimization,' he said. 'The PTI founder is in jail because he refused to bow down. Had he bowed, he would've been in this House,' he said. 'If all of this is to be done, then lock down the House.'
