Protesters erupt in joy after govt's decision to ban AL

Hundreds of demonstrators who were protesting on Saturday demanding the ban on Awami League activities held a joyous procession after the government's decision to ban all activities of the Awami League under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the trial of the party and its leaders in the International Crimes Tribunal is completed.

During that time, they chanted slogans in front of Hotel InterContinental, near the Chief Adviser's Residence, Jamuna.

Rally and processions celebrating the announcement were also held in Chattogram city on Saturday night.

At around 11pm, leaders and activists of various political parties and organisations brought out joyful processions in the No. 2 Gate and Probortok Mor areas of the port city.

Earlier, Hasnat Abdullah, chief coordinator of the NCP (southern region), announced a fresh programme, 'March to Jamuna', protesting the interim government's "failure" to present a clear roadmap within the declared deadline to ban the Awami League.

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser of the southern region of the National Citizens' Party (NCP), announced the "March to Jamuna" programme from Shahbagh, saying no clear roadmap for banning the Awami League was issued within the one-hour deadline given earlier.

Earlier in the day, thousands gathered at Shahbagh for the third consecutive day of protests, demanding a ban on the AL.

Addressing the crowd, Abdullah said the ongoing movement at Shahbagh demanding a ban on the Awami League is not led by any particular political party, but rather represents a broader national unity against fascism.

He emphasised that the country is now divided into two camps - those who stand with Bangladesh and those who support fascism.

"Those who demand banning the Awami League are pro-Bangladesh. Those who oppose it are aligned with fascist forces," he asserted.

"If you ever hear that I have withdrawn from the movement due to pressure or conspiracy, you must continue the struggle," Abdullah said. "No one can break the unity forged in July. We will not leave the streets until the Awami League is banned."

Earlier, addressing the gathering, Secretary General of Islami Andolan Bangladesh Principal Maulana Yunus Ahmad said the Awami League must not be allowed to operate as a political party in Bangladesh. "Our movement will continue until the Awami League is formally banned," he declared.

Maulana Gazi Ataur Rahman, joint secretary general of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, said it was the responsibility of the interim government to ban the Awami League.

"Even after nine months, they have failed to do so. Why has the people's mandate not been implemented?" he questioned.

Maulana Rafiqul Islam Madani, popularly known as Shishu Bokta, said the Awami League must be banned for the Shapla Chattar, Pilkhana, and July massacres.

Akhtar Hossain, member secretary of NCP, said, "The people have already declared there is no place for the Awami League in this country. The party that committed massacres and crimes against humanity and now conspires from across the border has no right to do politics in Bangladesh. The Awami League is not a political party but a terrorist outfit."

He further called for the immediate declaration of the July Proclamation and vowed not to leave Shahbagh until the demand to ban the Awami League is fulfilled. "The unity at Shahbagh must now be joined by all anti-fascist forces."

The rally began at 3pm with demonstrators chanting slogans like "Ban, ban, Awami League" and "Catch the League, throw them in jail".

Key leaders present at the rally included Sarjis Alam, chief organiser of NCP's northern region, Sharif Osman Hadi, spokesperson for Inqilab Mancha, and Ali Ahsan Junayed, coordinator of United People's Bangladesh, along with members of various political and student organisations.

At 4:35pm on Friday, Abdullah formally announced the Shahbagh Blockade programme from that stage, which was followed by a procession that proceeded to Shahbagh to initiate the programme. Around 11pm, he told reporters that their sit-in would continue until three key demands are met.

The demands are declaring the Awami League as a terrorist organisation and banning it, including provisions for party-level prosecution under the International Crimes Tribunal Act, and issuing a formal declaration aligned with the July movement.

The Shahbagh Blockade continued through the night and into Saturday morning.

In a post on his verified Facebook account around 4am, Abdullah urged supporters not to block highways outside Dhaka.

"Do not impose blockades on highways across the country," he wrote. "Hold spontaneous gatherings and rallies in districts, but lift blockades elsewhere. Only Shahbagh should remain blocked."

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