Awami League labels interim government ‍‍`Illegal‍‍` over granting immunity to criminals

The Report Desk

Published: October 16, 2024, 12:09 AM

Awami League labels interim government ‍‍`Illegal‍‍` over granting immunity to criminals

Screengrab from Awami League‍‍`s X account.

The Bangladesh Awami League has denounced the interim government, labeling it "illegal" in response to its recent decision to grant immunity to professional criminals and political thugs allegedly involved in the anti-discrimination movement. 

The party came up with these claims, from its verified X handle, previously known as Twitter, that this move protects individuals responsible for the deaths of thousands of police officers and Awami League leaders, as well as for brutal attacks that have resulted in numerous permanent disabilities and extensive damage to public property.

In a statement, the Awami League drew parallels between the current situation and the events of August 15, 1975, when Khandaker Mushtaq provided indemnity to the assassins of the Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. 

The party asserts that after forcibly ousting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina through violence, arson, and murder, mentioning current interim government‍‍`s Chief Adviser Dr Yunus (@Yunus_Centre) and his council have unlawfully seized power, attempting to shield those responsible for these atrocities from prosecution.

The Awami League highlighted that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had previously established a three-member Judicial Inquiry Committee on July 15 to investigate the killings, arson, and looting that occurred during this tumultuous period. Sheikh Hasina also sought the United Nations‍‍` assistance, requesting advanced technology to support the investigation.

However, following his assumption of power, Dr. Yunus has suspended the inquiry initiated by the Judicial Inquiry Committee, a move the Awami League interprets as an effort to prevent accountability for crimes committed between July and August.

During a recent visit to the United States, Dr. Yunus reportedly claimed that the July movement was part of a premeditated plan executed by a mastermind, suggesting that the violence and killings were intentional. The Awami League argues that this admission further exposes his intent to protect those involved in the mass murders of civilians and police officers.

The party emphasized that the history of Khandaker Mushtaq’s failed attempts to shield the assassins of August 15 serves as a reminder that justice will ultimately prevail. They expressed confidence that the people of Bangladesh will reclaim democracy, revoke the interim government’s immunity provisions, and bring all criminals to justice.

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