Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Md Rashed Khan has alleged that the Awami League paid tribute at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur on Saturday while posing as members of the Jatiya Party (JaPa).
Speaking to reporters after paying his respects on Martyred Intellectuals Day, Rashed Khan said: “We saw members of the Jatiya Party pay tribute at the memorial. However, they are not Jatiya Party members — they are Awami League. Awami League came disguised as Jatiya Party and paid tribute under that banner. This is part of their effort to rehabilitate Awami League, with GM Quader leading the effort. Today, they have launched a ‘return mission’ in the name of paying homage.”
He went on to accuse the Awami League and Jatiya Party of attempting to revive their presence, saying: “We are certain that neither Awami League nor JaPa will be able to access the memorial on December 16 in the future. If given a chance, they will slowly make their way back. They need to be stopped now. Awami League and Jatiya Party should face restrictions before any genocide trial proceeds. Why haven’t these two parties been banned yet?”
Calling for strong measures, Rashed Khan urged the government to act, adding: “Sheikh Hasina must be brought back to the country and held accountable. Arrest the high command of Awami League and prosecute genocide cases without delay. Superficial judicial efforts will not be accepted. The assets of MPs must be seized, and the elections of 2014, 2018, and 2024 declared invalid.”
Rashed Khan also cautioned against undermining the legacy of the 1971 Liberation War. “Do not draw comparisons between 2024 and 1971,” he said. “The 1971 war was about liberating the nation and its territory. Comparing current struggles to that monumental fight is irrelevant and inappropriate. The sacrifices of the 1971 freedom fighters, regardless of their party or ideology, cannot be questioned or diminished.”