Awami League’s political future has dominated discussions across the country in recent days, sparking allegations, denials, and protests among political stakeholders.
The controversy began on Thursday when Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Younus said that the interim government had no plans to ban the Awami League during a meeting with the International Crisis Group delegation led by President Comfort Ero at the state guesthouse Jamuna.
Dr Younus’s remarks faced backlash from various political parties, student groups, and leaders of the July Revolution.
The National Citizen Party (NCP) condemned his statement, with its South Region Chief Organizer, Hasnat Abdullah, criticizing the comment in a midnight Facebook post on Friday.
Hasnat claimed the Awami League was banned on August 5 and accused military leadership of attempting to revive the party under India’s influence.
Shortly after, he posted another status alleging that military leadership proposed rehabilitating a “refined Awami League” during a meeting at Dhaka Cantonment on March 11.
In his post, Hasnat detailed the meeting, where a plan was presented to him and two other NCP members, proposing seat-sharing negotiations for the next election in exchange for the Awami League’s rehabilitation.
He alleged that similar offers were made to other political parties, suggesting that a weakened Awami League alongside opposition parties was preferable to a single opposition party.
Hasnat accused India of orchestrating the move, naming figures like Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, and Fazle Noor Taposh as proponents of a “Refined Awami League.”
He claimed this group would admit to the Sheikh family’s crimes, reject Hasina, and promise to restore Bangabandhu’s Awami League.
Hasnat rejected the proposal, advocating for justice over rehabilitation, and warned of a crisis if the Awami League’s return was opposed.
He emphasized his refusal to compromise, declaring that the party’s return would only happen “over their dead bodies.”
His post sparked protests, including a march by Dhaka University students and demonstrations by organizations like Inquilab Mancha, July Warriors, and Bangladesh Student Rights Council, demanding the Awami League’s ban.
Political parties echoed similar demands, with Jamaat-e-Islami Chief Dr Shafiqur Rahman urging unity against the Awami League’s rehabilitation.
The NCP held a rally at Shahbagh on Saturday, calling for the party’s ban through the July Charter and advocating for national unity among political parties.
NCP Member Secretary Akhtar Hossain emphasized the need for a consensus to include the ban in the Charter.
Regarding the Bangladesh Army, Hasnat clarified that the NCP aimed to restore institutions damaged during the Awami League regime, expressing trust and respect for the Army.
However, NCP Chief Coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari criticized Hasnat’s Facebook post, calling it unethical and urging government institutions to avoid political interference.
He warned against attempts to reintegrate the Awami League into politics, predicting a powerful student-led movement in response.
On Sunday, The Army firmly denied any involvement in pressuring Hasnat or others regarding the rehabilitation of the Awami League.
Instead, it clarified that the meeting was initiated by Hasnat and his colleague Sarjis Alam, who had expressed interest in engaging with the Army leadership.
Referring to Hasnat’s claims as “extremely ridiculous and immature,” the Army Headquarters confirmed to Netra News that the meeting with the Army Chief was arranged at the request of Hasnat and Sarjis Alam, who had long sought such an interaction.
According to the Army, the meeting was scheduled after Sarjis Alam contacted the Army Chief’s military advisor.
After the military clarified its position, Sarjis Alam, the Chief Organizer (Northern Region) of the NCP, took to Facebook to address Hasnat’s post regarding the military.
On Sunday, he shared a statement from his verified account, providing his perspective on the matter.
Sarjis explained that on March 11, he and Hasnat met with the Army Chief, though a third team member was unable to attend due to personal reasons.
He clarified that they were not summoned but had been in contact with the Army Chief’s military adviser as needed.
Referring to the Army Chief’s Pilkhana massacre anniversary speech, Sarjis highlighted its strong tone and straightforwardness, which prompted their meeting.
During the meeting at Sena Bhaban, only Sarjis, Hasnat, and the Army Chief were present.
Sarjis disagreed with Hasnat’s interpretation of the Army Chief’s remarks, viewing them as an expression of opinion rather than a formal proposal.
While Hasnat’s post suggested pressure to form a “refined Awami League,” Sarjis believed the Army Chief emphasized the necessity of such a move for long-term political stability, rather than exerting pressure.
The discussions covered topics such as a refined Awami League, Saber Hossain, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, and Sohel Taj, as well as the implications of the Awami League’s participation or absence in elections.
Sarjis felt that Hasnat’s post exaggerated the tone of the conversation, making it appear more extreme than it was.
Sarjis acknowledged an exchange where Hasnat questioned forgiving a party that hadn’t admitted wrongdoing but clarified that this occurred during the Army Chief’s departure, not in the meeting room.
He emphasized that the Army Chief’s response was not angry but reflective of his seniority and experience.
He criticized Hasnat’s Facebook post for potentially undermining trust in future discussions with stakeholders.
Despite their disagreements, Sarjis reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Hasnat and upholding principles of self-criticism and conscience in their struggle against the return of any version of the Awami League.
The public disputes between Hasnat and Sarjis drew criticism from NCP leaders, with Abdul Hannan Masud, the joint convener of the NCP, urging private resolution of differences.
Meanwhile, Nasiruddin Patwari clarified that the meeting was not conducted on behalf of the party and assured that an official statement would follow internal deliberations.
He reaffirmed the NCP’s commitment to meeting public expectations and navigating the challenges of transitioning from activism to politics.
