BNP backs move to prosecute Awami League, warns against flawed process

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed has welcomed the interim government's initiative to bring the Awami League under trial as a political organisation, calling it a "delayed but timely" response to a long-standing demand of the party.

"Even if it came late, we welcome the interim government's move to ensure the Awami League is brought to face trial through due legal processes," Salahuddin told reporters today after attending an event on constitutional reforms at the International Mother Language Institute in Dhaka.

He said this demand was raised by him on behalf of the party on February 5, and reiterated before and after that at different forums.

"When we met the chief adviser on February 10, we formally submitted a written proposal, clearly saying the Awami League must be brought under trial as a political organisation for its involvement in 'genocide and crimes against humanity'," he said.

"Had the chief adviser considered this matter earlier, the government might have avoided facing such embarrassing situations today, yesterday, or the day before," he added.

Salahuddin also welcomed the interim government's move to amend the International Crimes Tribunal Act to enable the trial of political parties, including the Awami League.

He urged Law Adviser Asif Nazrul to ensure the legal process is properly designed.

"I urge the law adviser to ensure the law is framed and applied properly so that no national or international quarters can question its legitimacy. This is crucial to avoid future stigma," he said.

The BNP leader stressed that the party is ready to cooperate with the interim administration in the interest of the country, but insisted the government must take its reform proposals seriously.

Referring to the party's past calls for a clear electoral roadmap, Salahuddin warned, "If the roadmap is delayed, the government could face similar embarrassing situations again."

In response to a journalist's question about the Shahbagh sit-in, Salahuddin said, "Why should we go to Shahbagh again? We've already submitted our demands in writing and voiced them publicly through seminars and different events."

Pointing out that "democracy is not in the DNA of the Awami League" he said, "You must understand — does the world still recognise the Awami League as a political party? Do the people of this country recognise it as one? The Awami League is a 'fascist' force."