Abdul Kader Siddique, founding president of the Krishak Sramik Janata League, said on Sunday that the Awami League, with its legacy tied to Mawlana Bhashani and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is not something trivial that can be easily dismissed or banned, asserting that only the public have the authority to make such a decision.
Speaking to journalists during a visit to the local community in Chhatihaati village of Kalihati upazila in Tangail, he said: “A wave of hostility is currently sweeping through the nation. But one must understand—this is Sheikh Hasina’s party, the party founded by Maulana Bhashani and the party guided by Bangabandhu. It is the very party that brought about Bangladesh’s independence.”
Addressing the interim government's decision to ban the Awami League's activities, Kader Siddique said: “You cannot erase a political party simply by declaring it banned. A party loses ground only when the people turn away from it. Even with official approval, a party cannot stand if it loses public support.”
He emphasized that any wrongdoing or misjudgment committed by members of the Awami League must be held accountable under the law.
He said: “Those proven guilty in the eyes of the court must be punished. However, the decision of any single council does not automatically render it just or valid.”
On a question about the possible implications of an India-Pakistan war on Bangladesh, Kader warned that modern warfare is no child’s play.
“Firing a few bullets and waging a full-scale war are not the same. An India-Pakistan war would be catastrophic, with global repercussions. The Indian government is making gestures to appeal to public sentiment, but many are beginning to see through it. This is not true politics.”
He added: “India is a country of master strategists—arguably the best drivers in the world. Why would they act recklessly? It is those in power today who are playing war games and suffering as a result. The people of India are already facing the consequences. Should war break out, the entire world will be affected."
He further said: "I believe that such a war is unlikely, but if it does happen, Bangladesh—as a neighboring country—will undoubtedly feel the impact.”
