Awami League's political chapter over, trial as a party to begin soon: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the Awami League's political chapter has come to an end and the party will no longer be able to engage in politics in Bangladesh, adding that trial proceedings against the party as an entity will begin soon.

He made the remarks as special guest at a memorial event held at the China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital Saturday (July 4).

Salahuddin Ahmed alleged that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has shown no remorse despite the mass killings and body-burning incidents that took place in July, and that she continues to label protesters as militants and make various statements against them. He also accused Awami League leaders living abroad of engaging in provocative activities.

Calling for unity among all parties to realise the spirit of the July movement, the home minister said the government needs to be given the necessary time to strengthen the country's financial capacity.

Recounting his own past, Salahuddin Ahmed said he and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman were both living in exile abroad during the movement. He said that while in exile, he worked behind the scenes to support the students' non-political movement and played a role in uniting various political and non-political groups.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman attended the event as chief guest. State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Engineer Ishraque Hossain presided over the programme. Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher Sumon, Law Minister Asaduzzaman, and Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Nurul Islam Moni also spoke at the event.