Awami League Will Not Be Allowed to Engage in Politics in Bangladesh: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has declared that the Awami League will not be allowed to resume political activities in Bangladesh, accusing the party of involvement in killings, enforced disappearances, mass violence and widespread repression.He said the party had neither apologised nor expressed remorse for its alleged actions, making its return to politics unacceptable.The minister made the remarks on Friday (November 6) while addressing a religious gathering at Babunagar Madrasa in Fatikchhari, Chattogram.Accusing the Awami League of involvement in enforced disappearances and killings, Salahuddin Ahmed also referred to the Shapla Chattar incident, alleging that religious scholars were killed and mosques were subjected to violence during the party’s rule.He said that despite political differences and divisions among various groups, there should be a united position against allowing what he described as fascist forces to return to power.The Home Minister also alleged that the Awami League had encouraged recent labour protests.He further claimed that a particular political group was attempting to create opportunities for the return of fascism under the banner of movements. Criticising the group’s political position, he said that although it spoke about Islam, it did not support the implementation of Sharia law.Salahuddin Ahmed also said that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) would implement the July Charter.He added that provisions reflecting Islamic values, which he alleged had been removed from the Constitution during the Awami League’s tenure, would be reinstated. These would include the principles of faith and trust in Almighty Allah and the phrase ‘Bismillah’, he said.