Nahid announces three demands

As the National Citizen Party-led (NCP) movement for banning AL grows momentum, spreading across and beyond Dhaka, the party‍‍`s chief Nahid Islam has announced a three-point demand for the government to fulfil.

In a Facebook post made this evening, the NCP convener wrote, "1. Awami League needs to be banned by designating it a terrorist organisation; 2. Provisions need to be added to the International Crimes Tribunal Act for the Awami League‍‍`s trial as a party; 3. July Proclamation needs to be declared."

The post, which only entailed the demands, comes as thousands joined the protest demanding a ban on AL at the Shahbagh intersection in the capital. Protests with the same demand have erupted in other places of Dhaka, including a blockade on Paltan intersection. Outside Dhaka, protests were staged in Kushtia, Rajashahi and other place.

Apart from NCP, supporters of Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Oikya Jote, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, Jatiya Ganotantrik Party, UP Bangladesh, July Oikya, Students Against Discrimination (SAD), July Mancha, Inqilab Mancha and other political organisations have also joined the blockade in Shahbagh.

NCP leaders have called on the BNP to also join the protest. However, BNP leaders earlier said it was not a decision for them to make but for the government and the Election Commission.

Meanwhile, amid the growing demand, the interim government, in a statement, said it has taken serious note of the growing demands from various political parties, civil society groups, and the public to impose a ban on the Awami League over allegations of authoritarian rule and involvement in "terrorist" activities.

In an official statement published on the verified Facebook page of Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus today (9 May), the government said it has already initiated communication with political parties to discuss the matter and will make a decision soon after consultations.

The statement also noted that the government is taking into account a United Nations report detailing acts of political violence and terrorism allegedly committed by Awami League leaders and supporters.

Urging the public to remain patient during this process, the government emphasised its commitment to addressing public concerns. As part of its response to citizen demands, the government has already banned the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) — the student wing of the Awami League—under existing anti-terrorism laws, reads the statement.

Additionally, the government stated that it is moving to amend the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act to allow for stronger legal action against organisations implicated in crimes against humanity.

Addressing recent public outrage over the departure of former president Abdul Hamid, who is accused in a murder case, from the country, the government confirmed it is aware of the situation and vowed to take appropriate legal action against all involved.

The National Citizen Party (NCP) began a sit-in programme in front of the chief adviser‍‍`s residence last night (8 May) demanding a ban on Awami League. The party also held a mass rally there this afternoon after the Jummah prayers.

Joining their demonstration, Jamaat-e-Islami and several other political parties and organisations have expressed solidarity with their demands and urged the government to ban Awami League.