Opposition MPs yesterday demanded that the Awami League be tried as a political party in an international crimes tribunal, accusing it of committing mass killings during the July uprising, as well as destroying democratic institutions and looting national resources during its tenure.
In response, cabinet members said investigations into the Awami League as an organisation have already begun. They further noted that under Bangladesh’s laws, there is no provision for a convicted person to surrender, adding that such criminals would be arrested immediately upon entering the country.
The matter arose during a parliamentary discussion on the trial for killings committed in the July uprising, following a notice under Rule 68 of the Rules of Procedure submitted by NCP lawmaker Akhter Hossen.
Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam stated that the Awami League committed mass killings, destroyed democracy, dismantled institutions, and looted the country’s resources. “Those involved in the killings during the July uprising must be brought to justice.”
Akhter Hossen called for the return of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina and others accused of crimes against humanity during the uprising so their punishment could be enforced without delay.
“We call on the government to increase prosecution teams, expand courts and tribunals, and appoint more investigating officers so trials at the International Crimes Tribunal can be completed swiftly,” he added.
He said that hundreds of cases had been filed across the country but no charge sheets submitted, demanding quick investigations, charge sheets, and justice for all the accused.
Jamaat MP Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem said no new investigation report had been submitted to the ICT in six months, alleging the investigation agency and tribunal were underfunded and understaffed and that the government had taken no effective initiative to oversee the cases.
Echoing calls for the Awami League to be tried as a political party, Gono Adhikar Parishad MP and State Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare Nurul Haque Nur said no fascist force should be allowed to return to power, take anti‑people positions, or carry out massacres.
Taking the floor, Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman said those who participated in the July uprising must never be forgotten, arguing that forgetting them would betray the nation.
He demanded benefits for July fighters and punishment for those responsible for the killings, warning that the nation would not tolerate delays in justice.
He also accused sections of the media of helping the ousted regime evolve into a dangerous autocracy and questioned what action the government had taken against those outlets.
Shafiqur further alleged provocations along the border, saying the government had remained silent. “We want to make it clear — this is an independent country. We will guard every grain of sand of this land,” he said.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said relations with neighbouring countries should be based on dignity, respect, and equality.
Referring to demands for Hasina to be brought back from India, he said, “From the interim government tenure until now, we have been pressing for her return. Under the extradition treaty with the neighbouring country, we demand her return so she can face trial.”
He added that, if necessary, the number of tribunals, prosecution teams, investigation teams and logistics teams would be increased.
“Our foremost objective is to establish justice in this country,” he said.
Citing a United Nations report, the home minister said 1,400 people had been martyred and pledged that justice would be ensured for all of them.
He added that, besides the cases with the ICT, many other cases were being tried under the Penal Code in different parts of the country. “Those proceedings would also be concluded.”
He urged everyone to uphold the spirit of July without politicising it.
“We will never use the spirit of July for politics, and we will forbid others from doing so,” he said.
Speaking in his turn, Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman noted that since the BNP government assumed office, 16 investigations had been completed, of which 12 investigation reports had been submitted. Four charges had already been framed, and three cases had been decided.
He said investigation into the Shapla Chattar massacre has already begun, as has the investigation into the Awami League as an organisation. Plans had also been taken to launch investigations into the July killings across the country.
The law minister further alleged that threats were being issued from New Delhi because of divisions among those who believe in the spirit of July.
“They are saying there will be surrender. But there is no opportunity to surrender under Bangladesh’s existing laws. Convicted criminals will be arrested the moment they enter Bangladesh’s borders. This is the government’s commitment,” he said.
