The Awami League's Gopalganj unit has urged its members not to view army personnel as opponents, following Saturday's events when party activists, upset with the exit of the Sheikh Hasina government, came to blows with the military.
In an emergency meeting on Sunday afternoon at its office, GM Shahab Uddin Azam, the general secretary of the unit, called for peaceful protests saying: "The army is not our adversary. We must assist them in carrying out their duties."
He warned leaders and activists, saying that if any member engages in disruptive activities in the future, the district Awami League will not take responsibility.
Azam further announced that this year, as in previous years, the National Mourning Day on August 15 will be observed with due respect.
A press release signed by Gopalganj Awami League Office Secretary Ilias Haque reads: "After reviewing the overall situation in Gopalganj, leaders and activists at all levels of the district, upazila, municipal, union and ward Awami League, as well as affiliated and associate organizations, have been instructed to hold peaceful processions and meetings. Display of any domestic weapons, sticks or rods during these gatherings is prohibited. In the past few days, peaceful processions and rallies have been held demanding the return of Sheikh Hasina.
"However, some unfortunate incidents occurred on Saturday. Such incidents are not acceptable to the followers of Mujib's ideals. Remember, the state's law enforcement agencies are not our enemies, and no force should be displayed against them. On behalf of the district Awami League, I express regret for all the incidents that occurred with the army. In the future, if such an incident happens again, the district Awami League will not take responsibility. We will hand over the perpetrators to the law enforcement agencies as criminals."
The press release also mentions that Sheikh Hasina is in good health. "We have communicated with her, and she has instructed us to hold peaceful meetings and gatherings. Sheikh Hasina has requested everyone not to engage in any kind of disorder."