Awami League is committed to maintaining peace and protecting the lives of citizens. They advocate for free and fair elections, even during the pre-election period, and the government is resolute in preventing any form of unrest
Leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have taken hardline to implement stringent measures if they are not granted permission to hold their rally in front of their Nayapaltan headquarters in the Capital City tomorrow (Saturday 28th October). The BNP is actively pursuing a disruptive agenda as they prepare for a major rally with the aim of overthrowing the current elected government. Their leaders claim that this rally represents their last-ditch effort to remove the Awami League from power. In contrast, Obaidul Quader, the General Secretary of the Awami League, has warned the BNP leaders that they will encounter strong opposition if they resort to violence. He has also warned that the BNP will not be allowed to take control of the streets. In an attempt to forestall any potential disruptions of city life, the Awami League will organize a peace rally in the capital on the same day. Additionally, law enforcement agencies are on high alert and have begun conducting inspections at entry points and key locations in the capital to maintain the peace order.
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Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, the Secretary General of the BNP, has ominously suggested the possibility of sustained and severe protests following the rally. This announcement has instilled fear among peaceful citizens that the party may engage in violent actions, such as arson attacks and vandalism, as they did during their 2014 nationwide movement.
In response to the BNP’s call for a rally, Obaidul Quader, the General Secretary of the Awami League and the Minister of Road Transport and Bridges, has expressed concern about the BNP’s open threats of violence. He has stressed that the Awami League is committed to maintaining peace and protecting the lives of citizens. They advocate for free and fair elections, even during the pre-election period, and the government is resolute in preventing any form of unrest.
BNP’s Strategy and the Threat of Anarchy
BNP’s strategy, which includes blockades, protests, sit-ins, and other forms of agitation starting from October 28, has raised concerns among the general populace. The fear is that these actions may disrupt public life significantly. Awami League has warned that it will resist any violent actions initiated by the BNP, emphasizing their commitment to peace.
As tensions rise in the lead-up to the BNP’s mass meeting, the nation watches with bated breath. It is the hope of many that the country can navigate this turbulent period peacefully and democratically, ultimately ensuring the well-being and safety of its citizens.
BNP and Jamaat’s Recent Violence Activities
In August 2023, a total of 74 incidents categorized as “political violence” resulted in six fatalities and 878 injuries, according to a report released on September 2nd by the Human Rights Support Society. The majority of these casualties occurred during confrontations associated with the BNP’s rally. Additionally, there was one fatality and multiple injuries and arrests during conflicts at the funeral of Jamaat leader Delwar Hossain Saeedi. These clashes involved confrontations between supporters of Saidi, the Awami League, and law enforcement personnel and took place in various districts.
Violence Centered on the 10th General Election (2014 & 2015)
The 10th General Election in 2014 was marred by extensive violence, which manifested in various forms, from pre-election clashes to post-election turmoil, casting a somber shadow over the democratic process. During the election itself, there were disturbingly frequent incidents of violence, voter intimidation, and electoral malpractice carried out by BNP and Jamaat, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, and hindering citizens’ ability to exercise their democratic rights freely and fairly. The post-election period was equally turbulent, marked by protests, conflicts, and allegations of fraud, exacerbating the crisis.
Jamaat-Shibir Violence for Opposing the War Crimes Trials (2013)
In 2013, Bangladesh experienced a wave of violence as Jamaat-Shibir, backed by the BNP, opposed the war crimes trials conducted by the domestic tribunal addressing atrocities from the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. During that year, 492 people lost their lives, and 2,200 others were injured in 419 major incidents of political violence, mainly orchestrated by Jamaat-Shibir.
Clashes continued with Jamaat-Shibir enforcing nationwide shutdowns (hartals), causing additional casualties and extensive property damage. There were also lethal attacks on individuals, including key witnesses and prominent figures associated with the International Crimes Tribunal. This period was marked by significant unrest and conflict in Bangladesh.
Attacks on Awami League in 2001
Following the 2001 general elections in Bangladesh, the BNP-Jamaat alliance engaged in “terror-politics,” resulting in the deaths of 26,000 Awami League members and leaders. This included prominent figures like former Finance Minister Shah A M S Kibria and former MP Ahsanullah Master. During this period, Awami League President and current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina survived 18 assassination attempts. A significant incident was a grenade attack orchestrated by Tarique Rahman, a future BNP-Jamaat leader, at an Awami League rally, causing the deaths of 24 leaders and 300 activists, including Ivy Rahman, the then Mohila AL president and wife of the late president Zillur Rahman.
Violence against Minorities in 2001
After the October 2001 elections in Bangladesh, the Hindu community became the target of a series of attacks orchestrated by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat E Islami. These attacks began before the elections when members of the BNP-led alliance threatened Hindus not to vote, fearing their support for the Awami League. Post-election, the attacks intensified and affected areas like Barisal, Bhola, Pirojpur, Khulna, and more. Perpetrators entered Hindu homes, assaulted residents, looted property, and subjected Hindu women to rape.
Rape was a prevalent tool for violence and intimidation during this period, with over 100 women believed to be victims. Multiple reports consistently implicated the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami as the main culprits, and Hindu girls were reportedly abducted. Hindu places of worship also faced attacks.
Numerous sources, including Amnesty International, Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board’s Research Directorate, and the US Department of State, documented these incidents, often identifying BNP activists as the perpetrators.
Conclusion
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent emphatic call for the swift resolution of trials related to the BNP-Jamaat arson attacks highlights the government’s commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law in Bangladesh. The historical context of political violence and systematic attacks underscores the urgency of ensuring accountability for past atrocities and preventing future incidents. Sheikh Hasina’s determination to eliminate the culture of impunity and her dedication to her country’s founding principles of justice and human rights are vital steps towards a more peaceful and democratic future for Bangladesh.
