Awami League won’t be allowed to do politics in Bangladesh again: Home minister

Highlights:

• Govt wants Sheikh Hasina returned to Bangladesh to face justice, he says
• Salahuddin says tribunals could be increased to ensure trials
• Says fuel prices will be reduced when international prices fall

The Awami League and those he described as the party’s “fascist forces” will not be allowed to engage in politics in Bangladesh again, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said today (26 September).

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a protest rally organised by local BNP leaders and affiliated organisations at Sadek Hossain Khoka Ground near Dholaikhal in Dhaka.

The rally was organised to protest what the organisers described as attempts to destabilise the country through planned acts of violence. State Minister for Liberation War Affairs and Dhaka-6 MP Ishraque Hossain chaired the event.

Salahuddin said those responsible for enforced disappearances, mass killings and crimes against humanity over the past 17 years would not be allowed to return to politics.

“There is no place for fascism and authoritarianism in Bangladesh after the 2024 student-led mass uprising,” he said.

He added that those involved in mass killings would be brought to justice through the International Crimes Tribunal. The number of tribunals could be increased if necessary to ensure that all those responsible face trial, he said.

Referring to reports about ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina participating in Zoom meetings from India and speculation over her return in December, Salahuddin said she had been convicted and sentenced to death for crimes against humanity.

He said the Bangladesh government had officially requested her extradition through the Foreign Ministry under the extradition treaty between Bangladesh and India.

“We also want her to return to this country and face justice. We respectfully urge the government of the country where convicted individuals are staying to return them,” he said.

“We have completed a trial according to international standards. They will have the opportunity to appeal if they wish, but no one can avoid serving a sentence or facing trial,” he added.

The home minister also called for changes in political culture, urging political parties to move away from slogans centred on individuals.

“From north, south, east and west – saying that this person is saying this or that, or chanting slogans in the name of an individual, cannot be a political culture,” he said.

The July Uprising had taught the country many lessons, he said, adding that political slogans should now focus on opposing fascism and honouring those who died in the movement.

Fuel prices

On the recent increase in fuel prices, Salahuddin said global and regional fuel prices had risen significantly.

He said Prime Minister Tarique Rahman had kept fuel prices unchanged during the first month in office to prevent additional hardship for the public.

However, a minimum price adjustment later became necessary to prevent fuel smuggling across the border and align domestic prices with international markets, he said.

The minister apologised for the temporary hardship and assured the public that fuel prices in Bangladesh would be reduced proportionately as soon as international prices fall.

Salahuddin urged citizens to remain united against what he described as fascist forces and work together to strengthen the democratic process.

He said the unity that helped bring down the previous regime through sacrifices on the streets was also needed to consolidate democracy in the country.