The National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam today (2 May) demanded a complete ban on the Awami League, calling it a “fascist” organisation rather than a legitimate political party.
“AL was never a political party – it was a fascist organisation. It must be banned, its operations dismantled, and its leaders and activists must be brought to justice,” the NCP chief said at a rally held near the south gate of Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in Dhaka.
Referring to the past 16 years under AL rule, he accused the party of orchestrating authoritarian governance and rigging three consecutive elections.
He said the ‘boat’ symbol must be erased from Bangladesh. “Until the trial proceedings are completed, all political and organisational activities of the AL must be banned by law.”
Nahid also criticised the Election Commission, alleging it is incapable of preventing AL’s “killer leaders” from participating in future elections. “We suspect the Election Commission is serving someone else’s agenda.”
Calling for the immediate implementation of the long-awaited “July Declaration”, Nahid insisted that it must include a clear directive banning the Awami League. “We demand the formation of a Constituent Assembly to draft a new constitution. The July Charter also must be enacted without delay.”
Nahid said the NCP would soon mobilise as an organised political force and reach out to the public directly to build a nationwide movement demanding the ban of AL.
The rally drew hundreds of NCP activists. The party had announced the demonstration earlier, and in a video message released the night before.
July victims to decide AL’s ban
At the rally, NCP Joint Chief Coordinator Abdul Hannan Masud warned the administration not to ignore the sentiments of the victims’ families.
“We caution the chief adviser – the families of the martyrs and the injured will decide whether the Awami League should be banned,” he said.
“Since taking office, Hasina surrendered Bangladesh to Indian interests. Under her rule, thousands of students and civilians were murdered. The AL has long ceased to be a political party – it has become a terrorist organisation and must be banned,” Masud added.
Party Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain said the Awami League had repeatedly unleashed “genocide” on the people. “What is preventing legal action? Their entire political structure — including affiliated civil society actors, media, and segments of the judiciary — must be held accountable.”
Senior Joint Member Secretary Tasnim Jara demanded that the party and its affiliated organisations be barred from any future elections. “Until justice is served, AL cannot be allowed to contest polls. That is the will of the Bangladeshi people.”
Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary pushed for constitutional reform, stating, “Without a new constitution formulated through a Constituent Assembly, the lives of thousands will remain vulnerable. Our movement will continue in every community until the Awami League is permanently banned.”
Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adib warned of mass resistance if the party is reinstated in political processes. “If the Awami League is given another chance, another genocide will follow. The youth, workers, and farmers will rise in defiance.”
Chief Organisers Hasnat Abdullah (South) and Sarjis Alam (North) echoed the same demand. “We are not pleading. We are declaring that the Awami League must be banned,” said Abdullah. Sarjis added, “This fight will continue until the last trace of this murderous organisation is removed.”
Joint Member Secretary Faisal Mahmud Shanto said the rally aimed to amplify the voices of the victims. “Only when every bullet fired at the public is accounted for can any discussion about the Awami League’s future be considered,” he said.