The Bangladesh Army has detained numerous workers and supporters affiliated with the Awami League party, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a significant operation prior to their anticipated protest in Dhaka against the interim government headed by Muhammad Yunus.
Dhaka has been fortified, with 191 platoons of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) stationed throughout the city and surrounding regions in preparation for the protest scheduled for 3 pm on Sunday. Authorities have refused to grant permission for the Awami League to conduct the demonstration. In a display of solidarity, workers, supporters, and underground leaders are expected to converge in Dhaka’s Gulisthan, Zero Point, and Nur Hossain Square, voicing their opposition to the alleged wrongful accusations against their leaders, the prohibition of the student wing Chatra League, and the harassment of Awami League members. Following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and subsequent departure from the country on August 5, amid violent protests supported by Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), Jamaat-e-Islami, and other factions, a significant crackdown on her party has ensued.
The BNP and Jamaat have declared their intention to obstruct any gatherings or protests organized by the Awami League. Areas such as Gulistan, the headquarters of the Awami League, and other potential protest sites have been occupied by workers from Jamaat-e-Islami and BNP to thwart the assembly of Awami League supporters.
The Muhammad Yunus administration has denied permission for the protest, labeling the Awami League as a “fascist party” and asserting its commitment to preventing any “attempts to incite violence.”
Shafiqul Alam, the press secretary for Yunus, stated on Saturday, “The Awami League, in its present state, embodies a fascist party. There is no possibility of this fascist party being permitted to conduct protests in Bangladesh. The interim government will not accept any acts of violence or attempts to disrupt the law and order of the nation.”
Alam further warned that individuals attempting to organize rallies, gatherings, or processions would “encounter the full force of law enforcement agencies.”
In response, the Awami League contended that their protest aims to protect the rights of the people in Bangladesh and to counter the rise of fundamentalist forces.
The party declared, “Our protest is against the erosion of the rights of the citizens; against the ascendance of fundamentalist elements; and against the conspiracy to disturb the lives of ordinary people. We call upon everyone to join Awami League leaders and supporters in protesting against the misgovernance of the current administration.”
Various political groups have advocated for a ban on the Awami League. However, Prime Minister Yunus indicated that the decision lies with the political parties. Some ministers within the interim government have also expressed opposition to the ban, emphasizing the necessity of political inclusivity. The BNP has similarly opposed the prohibition of any political party.
