Awami League will be stopped from joining elections: Interim government’s Mahfuz Alam vows

Mahfuz Alam, an advisor to the interim government, has made it clear that the Awami League, which he calls a "Delhi-aligned fascist party," will not be allowed to contest in upcoming elections. 

His bold statement came during a street gathering in Hajiganj Bazar today, where he shared his views on the future of Bangladesh’s political landscape.

In his speech, Mahfuz Alam did not hold back, warning, 

"If the Awami League returns to power, fascism will once again grip the nation. The Delhi-aligned fascist Awami League will not be allowed to contest the elections."

 He also pointed out that the interim government’s priority would be ensuring justice for those affected by the disappearances and killings from last July and August. According to him, this is a key task for the current leadership.

He went on to express his thoughts about the struggles of the people, stating, 

"For the past 16 years, the people of Bangladesh have suffered under the long and oppressive rule of Hasina’s autocratic and fascist regime. Children have been abducted, mothers and sisters have faced rape, countless individuals have been murdered, and thousands have been left disabled. Together with all political organizations, student bodies, and Islamic scholars, we have successfully ousted this fascist Hasina. However, if we do not reform the institutions she used to kill people, and if we proceed with elections without these minimal reforms, these institutions will persist, and the public will never be free from inequality."

Mahfuz Alam also shared the government’s plan to involve political parties in discussions to implement the much-needed reforms. He said, 

"Based on the Reform Commission’s report, we will soon engage in talks with political parties and stakeholders to implement minimal reforms and arrange for elections to bring about a democratic change in power."

The advisor issued a strong warning about the consequences of the Awami League returning to power: 

"If the Awami League returns, fascism will once again take root. On this very day, January 25, in 1975, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman attempted to dismantle all democratic movements in Bangladesh by forming BAKSAL (Bangladesh Krishak Sramik Awami League). Prior to establishing BAKSAL, thousands of opposition leaders were abducted by Bangabandhu. During that period, Awami League members were responsible for abductions, killings, and rapes in the same manner. Therefore, we no longer want the rule of Sheikh Mujib or Sheikh Hasina in Bangladesh."

The speech took place against the backdrop of a gathering organized by local leaders of the citizen committee, anti-discrimination student movement activists, and members of the Islamic movement, who all came together to show their support. 

Mahfuz Alam also took the time to pray for the souls of the four martyrs from Hajiganj who lost their lives during the anti-discrimination movement.

Ahead of his arrival, locals had built arches in Hajiganj and Shahrasti to mark the occasion. 

Mahfuz was greeted with flowers and tributes from various groups as he arrived. 

Later today, he is expected to attend a citizens’ reception as the chief guest at the Ramganj Government College grounds in Lakshmipur.

This fiery speech and the gathering have sparked widespread interest, as Mahfuz Alam continues to push for reforms and promises to keep the Awami League from re-entering the political race, warning that their return could revive fascist rule in the country.