Dhaka: Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has announced that the current government is planning to take steps soon to ban the Awami League (AL) as a political party. In an interview marking six months of the interim government, Bhuyain expressed that there is a growing consensus among political parties regarding this decision.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bhuyain emphasized that the undemocratic and monopolistic conduct of the AL during its tenure in power has led to a demand for its ban. He noted that the consensus among political parties since August 5 could facilitate the government’s decision-making process on this matter. Bhuyain commended the efforts of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) in raising the demand for banning AL and mentioned that there are legal frameworks available for such actions, although a specific approach has yet to be decided.
The adviser highlighted the need for judicial processes to prove the involvement of AL in past violent events, such as the July-August massacre, before any executive action can be taken. He assured that all necessary legal procedures would be followed to reflect the desires of the Bangladeshi people.
Furthermore, Bhuyain discussed the potential formation of a new political party by student leaders from the July mass uprising. This initiative aims to prevent the loss of gains from mass movements and ensure that student leaders play a role in state affairs post-uprising. Although the decision to form a new party has been made, its name remains undecided, with expectations to establish it by mid-February.
On the question of whether government representatives will join the new political party, Bhuyain clarified that student representatives in government would need to resign before engaging in political activities to maintain impartiality during elections. The interim government, tasked with implementing reforms and conducting trials against fascist elements, will proceed cautiously to avoid creating conflicts.
Addressing potential contradictions between the government’s priority for reforms and the urgency for elections, Bhuyain dismissed any conflict, emphasizing the need for goodwill and a positive political structure post-August 5 changeover. He asserted that meaningful reforms and a fair trial of AL are essential for a fair election environment and criticized the idea of holding elections without structural changes, drawing on past experiences under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime.
Bhuyain concluded by stressing the importance of the six reform commissions, which cover constitutional and public interest issues, as critical for ensuring a fair electoral process and a stable government transition.