Nahid Islam, convener of the National Citizen Party (NCP), alleged that there was a plot to rehabilitate the Awami League through the Jatiya Party, saying the public would not accept it. He added that no party that aided what he described as fascism should be allowed to contest elections and stressed that they would make no compromise on the matter.
He also said: “The death sentence against Sheikh Hasina must be carried out. The Awami League, as a political party, must be brought to justice. Our movement demanding trials of both the Jatiya Party and the Awami League will continue.”
He made these remarks on Saturday at a rally in front of the National Press Club following a mass procession organized to demand “the execution of the verdicts against those responsible for the July killings and the prosecution of the Awami League and its allies as political parties.”
The procession began at Banglamotor junction at 4pm and marched through Shahbagh and Matsya Bhaban before converging at the Press Club for the rally. A large number of leaders and activists took part.
Speakers at the rally included NCP Member-Secretary Akhtar Hossain, Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary, Senior Joint Convener Ariful Islam Adeeb, Joint Convenor Samantha Sharmin, Tasnuva Jabin, Senior Joint Member-Secretary Dr Tasnim Jara, and Jatiya Juboshakti Convener Advocate Tarikul Islam, among other central leaders.
Nahid said: “We welcomed the tribunal’s death sentence for Sheikh Hasina from the outset. But it must be carried out swiftly so that people receive justice. We believe this verdict is not political revenge; it is justice for the people. There can be no compromise on this.”
The NCP convener further said: “By sheltering Hasina, the Indian government has taken a position against Bangladesh. We hope they will return her, paving the way for a fresh start in bilateral relations. We want the friendship between the peoples of Bangladesh and India to continue.”
He continued: “The former fascist government was involved in enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and many acts against humanity. The tribunal’s ongoing activities to bring them to justice will continue. Political parties must make such commitments.”
NCP Member-Secretary Akhtar Hossain said: “The Awami League is a party guilty of crimes against humanity. They committed massacres in Pilkhana, Shapla, and during the anti-Modi protests. They shot people indiscriminately during the July movement.”
He added: “They burned bodies and carried out torture in the Aynaghors. They must face justice. We want to see Sheikh Hasina’s execution carried out. If she has the courage, let her return to the country and protest.”
NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwary said: “As elections approach, the fascist forces are trying to secure some seats through the Jatiya Party. Some members of civil society have begun speaking about the Awami League, the Jatiya Party, and the 14-party alliance.”
He added: “They are essentially bank looters. As long as we live, the Awami League will not be allowed to operate in politics. They must be brought under trial.”
Issuing a warning, he said: “Any party that seeks to come to power by forming an alliance with India will face the same fate as the Awami League.”