TDS Desk:

Hasnat Abdullah, southern region organiser of National Citizen Party (NCP), has blasted Chief Adviser Prof Mohammad Yunus vehemently for his recent comment suggesting that it is up to Awami League to decide whether it will participate in the upcoming national election.

“We want to see a successful end to the reform agenda by banning Awami League. Don’t forget that we brought you to power. We have decided whether Awami League will join the election,” Hasnat said while addressing a public rally at the historic Suhrawardy Udyan on Saturday.

Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, a Deobandi Islamist advocacy group consisting mostly of religious teachers (Ulama) and students, held the rally, calling upon the government to repeal the anti-Quran proposals of the Women’s Reform Commission and the cancellation of the commission on Saturday noon.

Terming Awami League as “terrorist organisation”, Hasnat said meaningful reform in Bangladesh is not possible until Awami League is banned and Sheikh Hasina is brought to justice.

“We repeat again and again. Awami League is not a political party. It is a terrorist organisation. Only through banning the terrorist group and executing the murderers, true justice, accountability and dignity can return to Bangladesh,” he said at the rally of Hefazat-e Islam Bangladesh at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital on Saturday.

Hefazat’s Paltan zone has organised the rally to press home their demands, including the dissolution of the Women’s Affairs Reform Commission, the withdrawal of cases against its leaders and a ban on the Awami League.

Hasnat, who was one of the key coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, said, “On August 5, the people showed Awami League the red card. Their rehabilitation will not be accepted under any circumstances.”

He further stated, “It is extremely unfortunate that many political parties and leaders are still trying to say that the Awami League is a political party and that we do not have the authority to make decisions about them. I say clearly: Awami League died in Bangladesh; its funeral was held in Delhi.”

Hasnat also criticised Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, recalling his actions after 1971 when he established a one-party rule through BAKSAL, which he claimed led to the deaths of 30,000 Jasad workers and brought brutality to the nation.

Referring to the 1974 famine, Hasnat accused the Awami League of causing economic destruction, leading to the death of 1.5 million people due to their alleged looting.

Hasnat called for continued mobilisation, saying, “We will not take rest. If necessary, we will give our last drop of blood to ensure Sheikh Hasina is brought to justice. Until her execution is carried out, our movement will not stop.”

Besides, Hasnat urged the younger generation to stay focused, saying, “This is the biggest reform our country needs is the banning of Awami League. Only then true justice, accountability, and dignity can return to Bangladesh.”

The rally began with an introductory speech by the father of Maulana Yunus Molla, a martyred Hefazat-e-Islam leader who had been killed at Shapla Chattar on 5 May 2013.

Ameer of Hefazat-e-Islam Shah Muhibullah Babunagari presided over the rally, which was also addressed by Hefazat Nayeb-e-Amir Mahmudur Hasan Kashemi, Nayeb-e-Amir Ahmed Kashemi, Joint Secretary-General Mamunul Haque, as well as top Islamic thinkers and religious leaders.