Md Nahid Islam, Adviser on Information and Broadcasting, declared that the Awami League will not be allowed to return to politics in its previous form and ideology.
He emphasized, “Allowing this would betray the martyrs of the uprising. We will not let it happen till our last breath.”
Nahid made these remarks at a discussion titled "Government of the Uprising: Expectations and Achievements," organized by the Jahangirnagar University chapter of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement on Wednesday.
He asserted that there is no question of the ousted Awami League participating in politics in the new Bangladesh.
“If we label the Awami League a fascist party, how can it engage in democratic processes? Such a party should not have the right to participate in politics,” he stated.
Nahid explained that Sheikh Hasina did not resign voluntarily but was removed from power by the students and citizens of Bangladesh. He acknowledged that a government was formed under the Constitution during this time, prioritizing state security and stability. “While the President and Constitution became ineffective due to the uprising, we took on responsibilities under the President to maintain stability,” he said, adding that they are open to reevaluating this arrangement if necessary.
He distinguished between an interim government and a caretaker government, stating, “Equating this interim government with a caretaker government is entirely misplaced. A caretaker government organizes elections to transfer power. If this government fails to meet the uprising’s expectations or enact essential reforms, the path to democratic transformation will remain obstructed. Crucial reforms are needed to define the state’s nature and the rules of political participation.”
Nahid stressed that their struggle was not merely for a change in leadership, stating, “We seek systemic change to ensure that whoever takes power cannot become another Sheikh Hasina. The government must ensure this safeguard.”
He noted that the uprising, which lasted 36 days, initially demanded reforms in the quota system for government jobs and was not a political movement. He cautioned that focusing only on those days overlooks the broader context of 16 years of depoliticization under the One-Eleven government, which laid the groundwork for Awami fascism.
Other speakers at the event included Akhtar Hossain, who called for drafting a new constitution, and Arif Sohel, who criticized the 1972 Constitution. Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan and Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Mahfuzur Rahman emphasized the need for reforms to facilitate fair and inclusive elections.
