Dhaka //

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the Awami fascist forces—responsible for enforced disappearances, genocide, and crimes against humanity in Bangladesh over the past 17 years—will never again be allowed to engage in politics on Bangladeshi soil.

He asserted that following the student-led mass uprising of 2024, there is no longer any place for fascism or autocracy in the country. He added that the trial of everyone involved in the genocide would be ensured through the International Crimes Tribunal, and the number of tribunals would be increased if necessary.

He made these remarks on Saturday afternoon while addressing a rally as the chief guest at the Sadek Hossain Khoka Ground near Dholai-khal, Dhaka. The rally was organized to protest against attempts to destabilize the country through orchestrated acts of terror.

Engineer Ishraq Hossain, State Minister for Liberation War Affairs and the local Member of Parliament, presided over the meeting. Central BNP leader Kazi Abul Bashar and Dhaka Metropolitan South BNP Member Secretary Tanvir Ahmed Robin, among others, also spoke at the event.

Addressing the rumors regarding a Zoom meeting held by Sheikh Hasina and other former leaders currently in India, as well as speculation about their return in December, the Minister noted that Sheikh Hasina is a convict sentenced to death for crimes against humanity. The Government of Bangladesh has formally requested her extradition from India in accordance with the bilateral extradition treaty.

“We, too, want her to return to the country and face trial,” he said. “We respectfully urge the government of the country where these convicts are staying to hand them over. We have ensured a trial process that meets international standards. They will have the opportunity to appeal if they wish, but no one can escape serving their sentence or facing justice.”

Calling for an end to personality-centric slogans and a radical shift in political culture, the Minister remarked, “Slogans like ‘North, South, East, West—so-and-so said this’ or chanting in the name of a specific individual cannot constitute a healthy political culture.”

He added that the mass uprising of 2024 has taught us many valuable lessons. From now on, slogans will be political—advocating for the fight against fascism and honoring the blood of the martyrs.

Highlighting the achievements and future plans of the government over the past seven months, the Home Minister stated that the current administration was formed amidst immense public aspirations. While the government is engaged in maintaining political order, undertaking constitutional reforms, and consolidating democracy, a certain political faction is—after just seven months—threatening to launch programs like a “long march” with the singular demand of toppling the government.

Advising the opposition, he noted that despite being offered the opportunity to participate in the constitutional reform committee, they have instead taken to the streets. Having concluded a long march to the north, they are now heading south and planning similar marches to the east and west; however, the people of Bangladesh have grasped the nature of this strategy. While a movement might be justified after four years, such activities after only seven months are baseless.

Share your opinion.