Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has said that the current government will soon take steps to ban the Awami League (AL) as a political party.
"In the first place, it is very encouraging that political parties have reached a consensus on banning Awami League," he said in an interview marking six months of the interim government.
Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, who also serves as an adviser to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, added that the people of the country could not accept the undemocratic and monopolistic behavior of the Awami League when it was in power.
"This is why political parties have started reaching a consensus on banning the party after August 5," he said.
He further said: "It will be easier for the government to implement any decision if such a consensus exists among political parties."
When asked whether the government was taking immediate steps to ban Awami League, Asif Mahmud said: "I believe that whether we are common people or political leaders, we all represent the citizens of this country. Our primary goal should be to prioritize the aspirations and demands of the people."
He added: "From that perspective, I appreciate the demand raised by BNP to ban Awami League."
Beyond the judicial process, he noted that there are four existing laws under which the government can take action against any political party through an executive order.
However, he added that the government has yet to decide which legal framework it will follow in this matter.
The adviser also said that Awami League's involvement in the July-August massacre should naturally be proven through the judicial process.
In that case, the government can take appropriate steps, including banning Awami League as a political party and revoking its registration.
However, he added: "Since this matter is legally significant, the government will follow all necessary procedures before making a final decision on banning the party."
He concluded by saying: "I want to make an assurance to all that the government will take immediate steps in this regard to reflect the desires of the people of Bangladesh."
