Those who oppose ban on Awami League are part of fascist forces, claims Hasnat Abdullah

Hasnat Abdullah, chief organiser of the National Citizen Party (NCP), has branded those opposing the call to ban the Awami League as “fascist forces".

Speaking at a “mass” gathering at Dhaka’s Shahbagh intersection on Saturday afternoon, he declared: “Bangladesh is now split in two: on one side, the fascist forces; on the other, the Bangladeshi people. Those who oppose banning the Awami League are the fascists. Those who support it are the true Bangladeshis.”

The rally, which began shortly after 3pm, demanded the outlawing of the Awami League along with two other key demands.

Joining the demonstration were members and leaders from NCP, Islami Chhatra Shibir, United People’s (UP) Bangladesh, and organisations linked to the July Uprising.

Warning that they would not vacate the streets until the Awami League is banned, Hasnat added: “Even if they try to silence me with their conspiracies, you must remain on the streets until this demand is met.”

“Fascism began here at Shahbagh in 2013, and it will end here too. Our views and approaches may differ, but we are united in our resolve to see the Awami League banned. Just as Nimrod and Pharaoh fell, so too will Hasina.”

NCP leader Hasnat had announced the rally at a press conference on Friday night while the Shahbagh blockade was underway.

Although turnout was initially modest, crowds increased after 4pm.

NCP’s northern coordinator Sarjis Alam and UP Bangladesh convenor Ali Ahsan Junayed joined the rally.

Protesters shouted slogans such as “Ban the Awami League now,” “Find League, send them to jail,” “Ban, ban, Awami League,” “One demand, one goal, League not come back,” “One, two, three, four, Chuppu leave your throne,” “Cancel Awami League’s registration,” and “Delhi or Dhaka? Dhaka Dhaka.”

Amid growing political tensions, a group of protesters led by Hasnat had also staged a demonstration outside the State Guest House Jamuna on Thursday night, following reports concerning former president Abdul Hamid’s departure from the country.

The protest drew solidarity from leaders and members of Jamaat-e-Islami, AB Party, Islami Chhatra Shibir, Islami Andolon Bangladesh, Hifazat-e Islam, and various student groups involved in the Anti-discrimination Movement.

After Friday’s Jummah prayers, demonstrators set up a stage near Minto Road, where leaders from different parties spoke out while holding placards and festoons demanding the Awami League’s ban.

From there, Hasnat announced the blockade at Shahbagh, which has since brought traffic in the area to a halt.

In addition to calling for the Awami League’s ban, protestors are also demanding the issuance of a “July Declaration” and legal provisions to try the party in the International Crimes Tribunal.

They are calling for Awami League’s crackdown on protesters during the July Uprising to be recognised as crimes against humanity, and for those responsible to be brought to justice.