Banned Awami League lacks capacity for any sabotage act on August 5: Home Minister

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said the banned Awami League no longer has the operational capacity to carry out acts of sabotage inside the country, while assuring that security forces remain on maximum alert to prevent any attempt to disrupt public order.

Speaking to reporters at the Secretariat on Monday (August 3), the minister said law enforcement agencies have taken comprehensive security measures ahead of August 5, adding that the overall situation is being closely monitored.

"The banned Awami League does not have the capability to carry out sabotage in the country," he said. "However, some of its members based abroad continue to make attempts to incite various activities, and we are keeping those developments under close surveillance."

He said security agencies are fully prepared to respond to any effort aimed at creating unrest or undermining law and order.

On the legal status of former Inspector General of Police Benazir Ahmed, Salahuddin said the government has instructed Bangladesh's appointed legal counsel overseas to take the necessary steps to challenge the bail granted to the former police chief.

Authorities are also examining the legal grounds on which the bail was approved, he added.

The home minister also commented on the recent visit of Sergio Gor, the United States' Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, saying the envoy had expressed interest in working closely with the current government and conveyed confidence in its leadership.

His remarks came as the government continues to strengthen security arrangements and diplomatic engagement amid heightened political attention surrounding early August.