Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Speakers at a programme have said Bangladesh Awami League (AL) must face legal action for their crimes against humanity before they are rehabilitated in the country's politics.
They also said the dream of establishing a new Bangladesh without holding such trial would be treacherous to the martyrs of July revolution.
They came up with the call at a discussion titled 'What do we Expect in New Bangladesh' organised by Benar News, an online media outlet funded by the US government, at National Museum in the capital's Shahbag on Tuesday.
Writer and thinker Professor Salimullah Khan, Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, BNP Acting Chairman Tarek Rahman's adviser Dr Mahdi Amin, a coordinator anti-discrimination student movement Hasnat Abdullah and coordinator of 'Mayer Dak' Sanjida Islam Tuli, among others, spoke on the occasion. Benar News Senior Content Manager Ashif Entaz Rabi moderated the discussion.
Shafiqul Alam said AL leaders and activists who are responsible for killing innocent people will face trial.
"Those who have had their hands stained with the martyrs' blood, enabled fascism have to face trial. Otherwise, we cannot hold the martyrs spirit. It will be a betrayal to them," he said.
Stating that AL has no sense of guilt, Shafiqul Alam further said that party does not have any signs of apology for genocide and crime.
On the contrary, by bringing the issue of police killings to the fore, they are trying to establish a separate narrative beyond the crime of genocide, said the press secretary.
Salimullah Khan in his speech said establishing human dignity will be much desired for new Bangladesh.
"For this reason, there will be no place for enforced disappearance or gunfights in the country," he said.
He also said all accomplices of Hasina-led fascist government including Dhaka University Teachers Association should face trial.
Hasnat Abdullah urged the politicians not to try to rehabilitate AL by any means though back door.
Head of Benar News Bangla service Sharifuzzaman Pintu made opening remarks.