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Business Standard
an hour ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Anti-independence forces stage mock trial against Hasina: Awami League
Anti-national and anti-independence forces have staged a mock trial against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in a kangaroo court formed to implement their political objectives in Bangladesh, Awami League said in a statement. Formal charges were filed on Sunday against then Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for crimes against humanity committed during the student-led uprising in July-August 2024. The formal charges state that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was the mastermind behind the inhumane acts such as crimes against humanity, murders, and burning of bodies across the country during the movement to overthrow the government in 2024. These crimes were organised on her orders. Sheikh Hasina's Bangladesh Awami League, one of the largest political parties in Bangladesh, rejected the trial, calling it a mockery. Bangladesh interim government led by Muhammad Yunus earlier banned the activities of Awami League and its affiliated organisations to conduct the trial smoothly. "Today will be marked as a black day in the history of Bangladesh, because anti-national and anti-liberation forces have staged a farcical trial in the kangaroo court formed to implement their political objectives," Obaidul Quader, General Secretary of Bangladesh Awami League said in a statement posted on the party's Facebook page. "Today, various farcical stories and absurd stories have been presented in the name of filing a complaint against Banglabandhu's daughter, leader Sheikh Hasina. The people of Bangladesh do not accept their fabricated farce," he said. "The illegal fascist Yunus government did not conduct a proper investigation into the incidents of casualties caused by diverting the student movement into different sectors through meticulous design in July-August," Quader said. "However, the Honorable Prime Minister (Sheikh Hasina) had formed a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the casualties. On the other hand, she had demanded an international investigation for greater transparency and impartiality," Quader said. "However, the fascist and militant Yunus blocked the path of this international investigation after illegally seizing power. On the other hand, we are all already aware that 7.62 rifles were used in all killings, which our law enforcement forces do not use," he said. "Not even an autopsy was conducted on any of the bodies. When such major questions arise, moving forward with the trial process without conducting a proper investigation is tantamount to fulfilling one's own political vendetta," he said. "Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina tried war criminals against humanity with the aim of atoning for the history of the birth of Bangladesh. This farcical trial drama is being staged against the successful statesman Sheikh Hasina in retaliation," Quader said. "Yunus, the anti-independence and anti-national forces are uniting to implement the Pakistani prescription. Pakistan, defeated by India, is supporting the extremist communal militant groups in Bangladesh," he said. "There is a deep conspiracy to turn Bangladesh into a militant state. The fascist Yunus, the representative of this militant-terrorist group, wants to destroy the spirit of the great liberation war and the democratic culture and values in Bangladesh," he said. "They want to suppress the voice of the people's leader Sheikh Hasina, the invincible leader of the democratic movement led by the fascist Yunus. They are trying to indict Sheikh Hasina, the leader of democracy and the nation's hero, in a farcical trial in a false and fabricated harassment case so that she cannot return to the country. We strongly condemn and protest this plan," Quader said.
Mint
3 days ago
- Politics
- Mint
Bangladesh election: Muhammad Yunus sets deadline; India asks to hold ‘inclusive, free, fair' polls — Key points to know
India called for the early holding of free, fair, and inclusive elections in Bangladesh, while raising concerns over the neighbouring country's ban on Sheikh Hasina's Awami League. Bangladesh's chief advisor Muhammad Yunus has assured that the nationwide polls will take place between December 2025 and June 26 as political parties continue to pressure him to set a poll date. The elections are due in Bangladesh after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted last year following a nationwide protest. Yunus had then taken over as the head of the interim government on August 8, 2024. Here's all the latest you need to know about elections in Bangladesh: 1. Acknowledging the call for parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, Yunus said earlier that they could be held by June next year. During his visit to Japan, the interim chief announced that the next national elections will be held 'any time between December and June next year.' 'Prof Yunus told Taro Aso that the election will be held between December and June. He has set a six-month time frame and the election will be conducted within that period,' Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam was quoted by Dhaka Tribune as saying. 2. Last week, the Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) issued a directive prohibiting Awami League and its affiliates from carrying out political activities, including rallies and conferences, until Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal completes its proceedings. The court was set up in 2009 by Hasina to investigate crimes committed by the Pakistani army during Bangladesh's war for independence in 1971. "We have suspended Bangladesh Awami League registration [as a political party] in line with the home ministry notification", Aktar Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Election Commission, told the reporters. 3. The Awami League rejected 'this decision of the fascist dictator Yunus government.' The party said in a statement, '...we express firm commitment that the Bangladesh Awami League will continue to conduct its activities properly, ignoring this decision of the fascist Yunus government.' 4. Amid the political uprising in Bangladesh, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday (May 29) refuted Mohammad Yunus' claims that 'Indian media delegitimises transitional leadership.' The statement came as Yunus alleged that external factors, including India, might be behind efforts to destabilise the country. According to ANI, Yunus said there were "relentless efforts to destabilise Bangladesh" both internally and externally, leading to a "war-like situation." "When statements of this sort come, it seems like you want to deflect in another direction from your own challenges related to governance there — and to blame others by saying that these extraneous issues caused by others are the reason for these problems — does not solve the issue," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday. 5. The MEA spokesperson also urged Bangladesh to hold an inclusive, free, and fair election at an early date to ascertain the people's will and mandate. Jaiswal stated, "On Bangladesh, we have articulated our position very clearly, as far as elections in Bangladesh are concerned, and we have done so consistently. Bangladesh needs to ascertain the will and mandate of the people by holding an inclusive, fair and free election at an early date." 6. The Ministry of External Affairs earlier called Bangladesh's ban on the Awami League as "concerning". MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on May 13, 'The ban on the Awami League without due process is a concerning development.' 'As a democracy, India is naturally concerned about the curtailment of democratic freedoms and shrinking political space. We strongly support the early holding of free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh," Jaiswal said. 7. Meanwhile, the head of a newly launched political party told Reuters that the Bangladesh's interim government has been unable to fully ensure public safety and holding a general election this year will be difficult. "In the past seven months, we all expected the policing system, law and order to be restored through short-term reforms. It has happened to an extent, but not up to our expectations," said Nahid Islam, the head of Jatiya Nagorik Party or National Citizens' Party (NCP) and former student leader. "In the current law and order situation and policing system, I don't think it is possible to hold a national election," the 26-year-old said in his first interview as NCP head at his government-provided villa in Dhaka. 8. The National Citizens' Party (NCP) has said that elections in Bangladesh must take place only after the completion of reforms. According Daily Star, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari said earlier that it is possible to implement the electoral reforms and hold elections within the timeframe set by Yunus. 9. However, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia wants polls held by December. The party said it continued support for Yunus' government would be "difficult" without a firm election plan. 10. As per Dhaka Tribune, BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia expressed hope that democracy will soon be restored in Bangladesh. Bangladesh's ailing former Prime Minister Zia returned to the country from London early may after four months of medical treatment, adding to pressure for its interim leaders to hold elections. Zia and Hasina have alternately ruled Bangladesh as prime ministers since 1991 when the country returned to a democracy after the ouster of authoritarian President H.M. Ershad. 11. Recently, rumours surfaced that Yunus was considering stepping down. It was claimed that Bangladesh's de facto prime minister has expressed concerns over the political parties not reaching a 'common ground'. Dismissing the rumours, acting head of the planning ministry, Wahiduddin Mahmud, told reporters as per AlJazeera: 'The chief adviser [Yunus] is staying with us – he hasn't said he'll resign – and the other advisers are also staying; we are here to carry out the responsibilities given to us.'
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First Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- First Post
Will Yunus be cornered into holding elections in Bangladesh by December?
As Bangladesh's interim chief Muhammad Yunus visits Japan, pressure back home is surging. The BNP demands elections by December, the army wants an early vote, and civil servants are protesting sweeping new ordinances. With unrest escalating and the political timeline unclear, is Yunus running out of room to manoeuvre? read more Protesters block Shahbagh Square demanding the ban of the Bangladesh Awami League, the former ruling party, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, May 10, 2025. File Image/Reuters The political climate in Bangladesh has reached a boiling point as calls for national elections by December this year grow louder. Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), the military leadership and several other political parties have all voiced urgent demands for a defined election timeline. The mounting pressure is now squarely on interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, who is currently leading the country through one of its most tumultuous political transitions in recent memory. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The BNP, which has regained considerable influence following the removal of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League, has and hand over power to an elected government. Senior BNP leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain recently reiterated the party's position following a formal meeting with Yunus, stating, 'We have called for completing the reforms quickly and holding the national election by December.' BNP's clear demands In addition to pushing for elections by the end of the year, the BNP has demanded a complete reconstitution of the interim cabinet. The party has raised objections to the inclusion of 'controversial advisers,' particularly Mahfuj Alam and Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, who are closely linked to the Students against Discrimination (SAD) movement. Both currently hold key advisory roles in youth and sports, and information ministries, respectively. According to BNP leaders, these appointments reflect bias, given the role SAD played in ousting the previous regime and later forming the National Citizen Party (NCP), which is seen as aligned with Yunus. The BNP has also questioned the interim government's jurisdiction over long-term national matters. Referring to sensitive projects such as the Rohingya corridor and policy decisions around the Chattogram port, the party argues that only a fully elected government should handle these issues. 'The people of Bangladesh do not believe that an interim government has the jurisdiction to make such nationally important and long-term policy decisions,' the party declared. Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir of the BNP voiced broader concerns about democratic backsliding, warning that a 'new black shadow' was looming over Bangladesh's electoral future. He alleged that a 'well-orchestrated conspiracy' was underway to delay the elections and deprive citizens of their constitutional rights. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Military leadership steps in Adding to the pressure, Bangladesh Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman publicly stated that the elections should be held by December 2025. Stressing that it is the role of an elected government to determine the nation's future, the Army Chief called upon military personnel to remain neutral and uphold their duties with integrity. This stance reportedly aligns with internal concerns within the armed forces. In recent days, General Zaman and the chiefs of the navy and air force held closed-door meetings with Yunus, where they reaffirmed their preference for a December election. The military leadership also voiced apprehensions about the proposed Rohingya humanitarian corridor, stating they were not fully informed about the government's strategic direction. Soon after, Zaman convened a high-level meeting at Dhaka Cantonment, where he discussed the military's role during the transition, reported PTI. Observers see this as an effort to assert institutional control amid the growing uncertainty. Troops were seen patrolling streets across Dhaka, operating with enhanced authority to preserve law and order amid escalating unrest. Yunus in Japan as political crisis brews at home Yunus is on a four-day official trip to Japan, where he is participating in the 30th Nikkei Forum on the Future of Asia. He is also scheduled to meet Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on May 30 to discuss bilateral cooperation, with seven Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) expected in investment, technology and energy. His absence comes at a crucial moment. Back home, thousands of government employees and officers are protesting a controversial ordinance passed by his administration. The Government Service (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 allows the Ministry of Public Administration to dismiss public servants for misconduct without following traditional procedural safeguards. This has triggered demonstrations across Bangladesh, especially at the heavily guarded Secretariat. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Protesters have condemned the ordinance as 'repressive' and demanded its immediate withdrawal. In response, a special committee of seven senior secretaries met with Cabinet Secretary Sheikh Abdur Rashid to present the demands. However, no decisions have been made in Yunus's absence, reported Dhaka Tribune. Saleh, one of the senior secretaries involved, stated that the cabinet secretary is awaiting Yunus's return to make any official announcements. Tensions within the bureaucracy have also surfaced. The sudden resignation of the Foreign Secretary, reportedly over disagreements with the interim government's stance on the Rohingya corridor, signals internal discontent over policy directions. A fractured political landscape: Jamaat, NCP weigh in The interim administration is facing pressure from all political fronts. The BNP delegation that met with Yunus on May 24 explicitly called for an immediate election roadmap. In parallel, Jamaat-e-Islami proposed two possible timeframes: either mid-February 2026 if reforms are expedited or immediately after Ramadan if delays occur. Jamaat leader Shafiqur Rahman pointed out the need for separate roadmaps for reforms and elections. Meanwhile, the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP), composed largely of former SAD members, has suggested holding local government elections prior to national polls — a move BNP strongly opposes. The NCP maintains that grassroots elections could bolster democratic participation, though the BNP views it as a distraction from the national agenda. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Despite these disagreements, Yunus's office claims that all three parties — BNP, Jamaat and NCP — expressed conditional support for a peaceful and fair election under his leadership. His press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, confirmed that Yunus assured the parties the election would be held between December 2025 and June 2026, depending on reform completion. Cabinet affirms Yunus will stay Following swirling rumours that Yunus was considering stepping down, his advisory council issued a statement confirming that he would remain in his role. Planning adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud confirmed the development after a closed-door meeting chaired by Yunus. A formal statement from the advisory council outlined the government's three main responsibilities: completing reforms, ensuring justice, and organising elections. The council warned against what it described as 'unreasonable demands' and 'jurisdictionally overreaching statements' that disrupt the government's functioning and mislead the public. In a pointed remark, the statement added, 'If — under the instigation of defeated forces or as part of a foreign conspiracy — the performance of these responsibilities becomes impossible, the government will present all reasons to the public and then take the necessary steps with the people.' Prior to this, Yunus had reportedly confided to NCP leaders that he was contemplating resignation, citing growing challenges and the inability of political factions to find common ground. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, NCP convenor Nahid Islam publicly urged Yunus to stay, stating, 'We hope everyone will cooperate with him.' What next for Bangladesh? The backdrop to all these developments is widespread public discontent. From political party rallies — such as the massive demonstration organized by BNP's affiliated groups including Jubo Dal and Chhatra Dal — to civil service protests, the capital city Dhaka has seen a continuous string of demonstrations. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, addressing the crowd virtually, sharply criticised Yunus's leadership and stressed the need for immediate electoral clarity. The December 2025 deadline is emerging as a red line for Bangladesh. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies
The Star
13-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Ousted Bangladesh PM Hasina's party barred from election as party registration suspended
People celebrate after the interim government officially banned all the activities of the Bangladesh Awami League, until the trial of the party and its leader, following the demand of the protesters, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, May 10, 2025. REUTERS/Abdul Goni/File Photo DHAKA (Reuters) - Bangladesh's Election Commission has suspended the registration of ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, effectively barring the party from contesting the next national elections. The move comes after the interim government of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, banned all activities of the Awami League under the Anti-Terrorism Act after days of protests. The government cited national security threats and an ongoing war crimes investigation against the party's top leadership over deaths of hundreds of protesters. 'With the home ministry's ban on all activities of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations, the Election Commission has decided to suspend the party's registration,' Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters late on Monday. Under Bangladesh's electoral laws, a political party must be registered with the Election Commission to participate in national polls. The suspension means the Awami League — which led the country for more than 20 years — is now officially disqualified from contesting future elections unless the ban is lifted and the registration restored. The Election Commission also issued a directive prohibiting the party and its affiliates from conducting any political activities, including publications, media appearances, online and social media campaigns, processions, rallies, or conferences, until the International Crimes Tribunal completes its proceedings. Hasina, credited with turning around the economy but accused of human rights violations and the suppression of dissent, won a fourth straight term in 2024, but the poll was boycotted by the main opposition, whose top leaders were in jail or in exile. The country has seen rising tensions and protests in recent months, after deadly protests forced Hasina to flee to India in August 2024 and an interim government led by Yunus took charge. Yunus, who is not aligned to any party, has pledged reforms and said national elections could be delayed until 2026 and that he is not interested in running. Political parties, including former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party, have demanded an early poll and return to a democratically-elected government. The newly formed student-driven National Citizen Party, which emerged from last year's uprising that toppled Hasina, wants polls only after reforms are implemented. The unrest began in July with student protests against public sector job quotas, but quickly morphed into one of the deadliest periods of political violence since Bangladesh's independence in 1971. The Awami League, founded in 1949 and once revered for leading Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War, has faced growing criticism in recent years over alleged authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights violations under Hasina's leadership. (Reporting by Ruma Paul; Editing by Michael Perry)
Straits Times
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Straits Times
Ousted Bangladesh PM Hasina's party barred from election as party registration suspended
People celebrate after the interim government officially banned all the activities of the Bangladesh Awami League, until the trial of the party and its leader, following the demand of the protesters, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, May 10, 2025. REUTERS/Abdul Goni/File Photo DHAKA - Bangladesh's Election Commission has suspended the registration of ousted former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League, effectively barring the party from contesting the next national elections. The move comes after the interim government of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, banned all activities of the Awami League under the Anti-Terrorism Act after days of protests. The government cited national security threats and an ongoing war crimes investigation against the party's top leadership over deaths of hundreds of protesters. 'With the home ministry's ban on all activities of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations, the Election Commission has decided to suspend the party's registration,' Election Commission Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told reporters late on Monday. Under Bangladesh's electoral laws, a political party must be registered with the Election Commission to participate in national polls. The suspension means the Awami League — which led the country for more than 20 years — is now officially disqualified from contesting future elections unless the ban is lifted and the registration restored. The Election Commission also issued a directive prohibiting the party and its affiliates from conducting any political activities, including publications, media appearances, online and social media campaigns, processions, rallies, or conferences, until the International Crimes Tribunal completes its proceedings. Hasina, credited with turning around the economy but accused of human rights violations and the suppression of dissent, won a fourth straight term in 2024, but the poll was boycotted by the main opposition, whose top leaders were in jail or in exile. The country has seen rising tensions and protests in recent months, after deadly protests forced Hasina to flee to India in August 2024 and an interim government led by Yunus took charge. Yunus, who is not aligned to any party, has pledged reforms and said national elections could be delayed until 2026 and that he is not interested in running. Political parties, including former prime minister Khaleda Zia's Bangladesh Nationalist Party, have demanded an early poll and return to a democratically-elected government. The newly formed student-driven National Citizen Party, which emerged from last year's uprising that toppled Hasina, wants polls only after reforms are implemented. The unrest began in July with student protests against public sector job quotas, but quickly morphed into one of the deadliest periods of political violence since Bangladesh's independence in 1971. The Awami League, founded in 1949 and once revered for leading Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War, has faced growing criticism in recent years over alleged authoritarianism, corruption, and human rights violations under Hasina's leadership. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
