Tribunal-2 to be formed for AL trial: Mahfuz

Information and Broadcasting Advisor Mahfuz Alam said, Awami League will be tried as a party. Tribunal-2 to be formed to expedite trial

He said this in a post on his verified Facebook ID on Thursday (May 8), according to local media.

In a recent Facebook post, Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuz Alam announced that provisions are being added to prosecute the Awami League as a political entity. He stated, "The fascist League will surely be brought to justice," and mentioned that a second tribunal—Tribunal-2—is being formed to expedite the judicial process.

Earlier, in a post titled "Explanation or Reality," Mahfuz Alam highlighted the complexities of power dynamics in Bangladesh, noting that while the government bears responsibility, actual power is exercised by various centres. He argued that makeshift democratic reforms are insufficient and that a new political arrangement is necessary.

Mahfuz criticised political parties for their lack of cooperation since December, stating that although they hold stakes in the administration, judiciary, and police, they are committed to returning to a bipartisan framework and sidelining student involvement. He pointed out that among nearly three dozen appointees, only two are students, who have been marginalised following the president's removal. He emphasised the need for balanced student representation in governance to have a meaningful impact.

Regarding the July uprising, Mahfuz noted that the student movement became fragmented into several groups, leading to divisions and treatment akin to other political parties. He observed that the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement platform failed to organise students nationwide effectively, resulting in a divided and hesitant student populace.

Mahfuz also addressed the dominance of the Awami League, stating that both military and civilian bureaucracies have been compromised, and the League's influence in media and business remains strong. He lamented that the political economy of the League remains untouched and that the judiciary is still trapped in a bipartisan cycle.

Reflecting on the July events, Mahfuz remarked that cultural conflicts between left and right factions weakened the movement, making previous protests like Shahbagh and Shapla Chattar seem perpetual. He criticised right-wing groups for their emotional and reactionary politics and left-wing groups for their scepticism toward the government and failure to play a strong role in the uprising.

Mahfuz acknowledged the government's failure, along with all stakeholders, in addressing the cases of the martyred and injured and in ensuring justice. He noted that the uprising did not extend beyond urban areas, attributing this to the self-serving actions of the establishment and political parties, as well as the students' inexperience and lack of foresight.

He concluded by stating that the establishment is waiting to return to a bipartisan arrangement by sidelining students, who have already been marginalised due to their complete non-cooperation.

As a solution to these issues, Mahfuz emphasised the importance of ensuring fair student representation in the state and establishment and uniting against fascist forces and their agents. He stressed that restoring honesty, ideals, dedication, and unity among students is a prerequisite for these actions and for rendering the old bipartisan arrangements ineffective.