Bangladesh Interim Govt Says No Plans To Ban Hasina’s Awami League, Protesters Told To Surrender Illegal Firearms

Bangladesh’s new home minister said Monday the interim government now running the country had no intention of banning ousted premier Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party.

“The party has made many contributions to Bangladesh — we don’t deny this,” Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain told reporters. “When the election comes, (they should) contest the elections.”

He also addressed Hasina directly and questioned her on her departure.

“You have been mentioning that you plan to return to the country. But why did you leave in the first place? You left voluntarily. This is your country; you are welcome to come back. However, please refrain from stirring up trouble. If you do, it will only agitate people further. We respect you,” he said.

Hossain also urged Hasina to reform her party with fresh faces.

He also issued a deadline asking protesters to surrender illegal firearms they have gotten within a week. He said those who do not abide by the order will face legal repercussions.

“A youth was seen in the video taking away a 7.62 mm rifle. That means the rifle was not returned. If you did not hand over (out of fear), hand over the firearms through anyone else,” he said.

Hussain said they would investigate to identify the youth in civilian clothes who opened fire at Ansar members.

Attacks against Bangladeshi policemen, paramilitary groups and armed forces have continued even after the interim government assured of restoring law and order.

A report by the Dhaka Tribune said that the army has recovered weapons seized during recent protests in Gopalganj.

Army personnel recovered a weapon and two mobile phones from a house there.

Meanwhile, 599 police stations, out of 639, have resumed operations in Bangladesh. At least 42 police personnel were killed and 507 injured in the recent clashes.

“How can the police do their job if they are harassed and killed, with various intentions?” Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hussain told Prothom Alo adding that the law and order situation will return to normalcy within this week.