Country risks civil war if trial of AL is delayed

Convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee Nasir Uddin Patwary yesterday warned that the people may be compelled to take matters into their own hands if the interim government delays or remains silent on the trial of Awami League.

"If Bangladesh moves toward such a situation, we think there is a risk of a civil war breaking out in the country," said Nasir.

He made the remarks while addressing a discussion programme at the Jatiya Press Club on the Fact-Finding Report titled 'Human Rights Violations and Abuses Related to the Protests of July and August 2024 in Bangladesh: Its Anatomy, Responsibility, and Trial.'

Criticising the advisory council, Nasir labelled its members "thick-skinned".

"When they are asked something, the action becomes visible six months later. To those with rhinoceros-like skin, we say: please make your skin a little thinner. If you remain silent on the issue of holding the Awami League accountable [for July atrocities], the people will be forced to take to the streets again," said the Nagorik Committee leader.

Nasir said that the people of Bangladesh have placed them in the government with great hopes and aspirations.

"But you are wrong if you think the Secretariat or your offices are like luxury suites or hotel rooms. The people are still on the streets. They are still active in various places. They are in touch with us. In many cases, we are holding them back," he said.

He alleged that Law Adviser Asif Nazrul used to talk a lot at the university, but not much since he became an adviser.

Nasir said that the first task of the interim government is to try the Awami League.

"If the trial process of the Awami League does not begin, there will be no election. First, the Awami League must be tried, and only then can elections be held," he said.

He said that efforts have been made to curb instances of mob justice across the country.

"While some incidents persist, effective measures are being taken regularly to ensure that no one in Bangladesh falls victim to a culture of impunity through mob trials ... ," he added.