Akhtar: Awami League will not be allowed to engage in politics again

Akhtar Hossain, general secretary of the National Citizen Committee, said on Sunday that the Awami League, despite facing no legal barrier to contest elections, will not be allowed to engage in politics in Bangladesh.

He emphasized the party’s fascist and genocidal history, saying that if necessary, his group is prepared to shed blood once again to prevent the Awami League's political rehabilitation.

Speaking with journalists in the Mahiganj Satmatha area of Rangpur, Hossain condemned the Awami League’s actions, saying: “The party’s crimes against humanity, including genocide against the people of Bangladesh, have yet to be addressed. They have not taken any steps to atone for these atrocities.”

He pointed out that the Awami League and its student wing, Chhatra League, have not faced justice for their actions. "The Chhatra League's goons continue to threaten our comrades and carry out murders across the country. The people of Bangladesh will never accept this fascist party again,” he added. “Whatever steps are necessary will be taken to resist them.”

Hossain also criticized the state of law and order since the July-August coup, noting that the country’s police force has not regained its moral standing.

“Police stations were rendered dysfunctional after the coup, and although some stations are now operational, we see attempts to manipulate cases related to the martyrs and the injured. There is a clear tendency within the police to remain indifferent, which we see as an obstacle to a fair judicial process,” he said.

Hossain further pointed to the increase in thefts and robberies across the country, while acknowledging the positive actions taken by the military, which was granted magistrate powers by the government. He cited the military's intervention in a bank robbery attempt in Keraniganj, Dhaka, as an example of their strong stance.

However, he criticized both the police and military for not taking more decisive action. “If the police fail to perform their duties, we call for a reshuffle. We also propose bringing educated and young individuals from the mass uprising into the police force to help restore law and order,” Hossain asserted.

Regarding the formation of a new political party, Hossain reiterated that the people of Bangladesh are seeking leadership from young individuals.

“We, the students and youth, are discussing the formation of a new political party based on the principles and values that the Citizen Committee advocates,” he said. "We do not want to engage in factionalism with existing political groups. Our focus will be on the country’s interests, not on compromising them for personal gain."

Hossain concluded by emphasizing the growing demand among the people for a new political force. “We believe that in the future, those who will lead Bangladesh will serve as the guiding light for the people,” he said.