BNP welcomes ban on AL activities, Fakhrul says

The BNP welcomed the interim government's decision to ban the activities of the Awami League, the party’s secretary general said in a statement on Sunday.

“We are happy that, albeit belatedly, the interim government last night decided to ban the activities of the fascist party Awami League and its affiliated organisations,” Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said.

He called the move necessary to ensure the swift and smooth trial proceedings of those associated with the fascist government for crimes against humanity.

The National Citizens Party (NCP) had initiated protests last week to press for a series of demands, including a ban on the Awami League.

Jamaat-e-Islami, Islamic Andolon, the AB Party, and other groups linked to the July uprising expressed support for the NCP’s call.

The protest began around 10 pm on Thursday in front of Jamuna, the official residence of the interim government’s chief adviser, and later shifted to Shahbagh on Friday afternoon.

The BNP, however, did not join the protests, with its leaders saying amid criticism that the decision to ban the Awami League was a matter for the government or the election commission, not for the BNP.

Amid the demonstrations, the government on Saturday banned the political activities of the Awami League under the Anti-Terrorism Act, citing national security concerns.