News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/12th August 2024
Bangladesh’s interim government has clarified that it has no plans to ban the Awami League party led by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain, the country’s new Home Minister, addressed the media on Monday, affirming that the Awami League’s historical contributions to the nation are acknowledged and that the party remains free to participate in upcoming elections.
In a direct appeal to Hasina, Hussain questioned her reasons for leaving the country and urged her to avoid inciting further unrest. He emphasized that while Hasina is welcome to return, she should not exacerbate tensions. Hussain suggested that Hasina should consider revitalizing her party with new leadership to align with the current political climate.
Additionally, the interim government has issued a stern warning to protesters, demanding the surrender of any illegal firearms they possess within one week. Failure to comply with this directive will result in legal action. Hussain highlighted a specific incident where a protester was captured on video with a rifle, underscoring the need for the return of such weapons to prevent further violence.
The interim administration is grappling with persistent unrest, marked by attacks on police and paramilitary forces. Despite assurances of restoring law and order, clashes have resulted in significant casualties and property damage. Reports indicate that 42 police officers have been killed and 507 injured in recent violence, with numerous police stations resuming operations.
In response to the violence, the Bangladeshi army has been actively involved in recovering weapons and other seized items from protest sites, such as in Gopalganj, where a weapon and two mobile phones were recently retrieved from a house. The ongoing unrest has highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in maintaining public safety and order.
Hussain expressed concern over the harassment and attacks on police personnel, stressing that such actions undermine their ability to effectively perform their duties. He assured the public that efforts are underway to restore normalcy and improve the security situation within the week.
As Bangladesh navigates through these turbulent times, the interim government’s approach reflects a commitment to addressing both political and security issues while maintaining an inclusive stance towards established political entities like the Awami League. The call for firearm surrender and the focus on restoring law and order underscore the administration’s efforts to stabilize the country and move forward from the current crisis.
