No election before trial of AL: NCP

Leaders of the National Citizen Party (NCP) yesterday declared that elections would not take place in the country before the Awami League is tried as a party for committing mass killings during the July uprising. They also demanded a ban on the party's political activities until that trial concludes.

Criticising the remark of the chief adviser on AL contesting the next polls, they said the people of the country and the participants of the July uprising will decide whether the party should be banned or be allowed to contest the national election.

There is no room for debate over its [AL's] political legitimacy anymore. That is why we demand that its registration be cancelled and all organisational activities be suspended until the trial is concluded.

— Nahid Islam, NCP convener

The NCP leaders made the announcement at a party rally held at the south gate of the Baitul Mukarram National Mosque in the capital's Gulistan area after Juma prayers.

Presiding over the event, Nahid Islam, party convener, said the AL is no longer a political party but has become a fascist and terrorist organisation.

"There is no room for debate over its [AL's] political legitimacy anymore. That is why we demand that its registration be cancelled and all organisational activities be suspended until the trial is concluded. But it's saddening that no visible progress has been made in holding trials even after nine months have passed."

Photo: Rashed Shumon/Star

He further said the state is failing to take responsibility for the families of the martyrs and the injured of the July movement.

Coming down heavily on a section of journalists, the NCP leader said, "Some journalists are questioning whether Sheikh Hasina truly carried out genocide. They claim it hasn't been proven yet. They are not journalists. They are accomplices of the fascist Awami League."

He said the UN reports have clearly stated that the July massacre was carried out at the instruction of Sheikh Hasina and planned by the Awami League.

The NCP leaders also said that while the interim government and political parties seem to be dilly-dallying about banning the Awami League, the people had already given their verdict on August 5 last year.

"We would like to remind the interim government -- you are a government born of a people's uprising. You assumed your advisory roles through the mandate of that uprising. So why are you unable to take action against a party responsible for mass killings? What is holding you back?" asked Akhter Hossen, NCP member secretary.

"The name of the Awami League should be erased from the registration list of political parties and instead listed among terrorist organisations. As long as the July generation lives, the Awami League will never be allowed to remain relevant in this country. Anyone attempting to rehabilitate the party will face strong resistance from students and the general public."

Photo: Rashed Shumon/Star

Also speaking at the event, Senior Joint Member Secretary Dr Tasnim Zara asked, "How much more torture, how many more abductions and killings must take place before a party's registration is cancelled?"

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser (south) of the NCP, said, "Dr Muhammad Yunus, we put you in power at the cost of the martyrs' blood. We are not making a request or placing a demand -- we are letting all know a decision: the Awami League must be banned immediately. That has to be done without any ifs, buts, or conditions."

Senior Joint Convener of the NCP Samanta Shermeen said, "In this country, only the families of the martyrs and the wounded have the moral authority to speak on what kind of reform is needed. Today, standing with them, we declare that no election will be allowed before justice is served and reforms are implemented."

Sarjis Alam, chief organiser (North) of the party, said, "The people and youth of this country have declared the Awami League a party of murderers and they would not be allowed to do politics in this country."