Bangladesh: Awami League announces several political programmes including general strike and nationwide blockade
Dhaka: In response to what it calls “false cases” against Sheikh Hasina and the continued persecution of religious minorities in the nation, the Awami League of Bangladesh has proposed a number of political initiatives, including a statewide blockade and a general strike.
Late on Tuesday, the party released a statement detailing its demands and planned demonstration timetable, threatening more severe action if police tried to stop them.
From Saturday, February 1, to Wednesday, February 5, party members will hand out pamphlets; on Thursday, February 6, there will be a protest march and rally; on Monday, February 10, there will be a second protest rally; on Sunday, February 16, the party will hold a blockade; and on Tuesday, February 18, there will be a nationwide morning-to-evening hartal (general strike), according to the party’s official statement.
The Awami League has said that, “If there is any kind of obstruction in these programs to realise the political and democratic rights of the people of the country, more strict programs will be announced.”
The main goal of the party’s demonstrations is to demand that all legal actions against Sheikh Hasina be dropped, including what it refers to as a “false murder case” against the former prime leader. In addition, the statement demands that the “illegal and illegal ICT Tribunal” reject other cases and put a stop to what the party refers to as a “farcical trial.”
The violence and persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh has also been cited by the Awami League as the reason for its movement, citing “attacks and massacres of religious minorities, including Hindu-Buddhist-Christians and attacks and vandalism of various religious shrines.”
The party has also called on the government to “stop killings” and guarantee everyone’s safety.
This is the first significant public mobilization by the Awami League since Sheikh Hasina was overthrown on August 5. However, since many of its officials and employees are presently hiding out of fear of legal action and targeted assaults, the party has tremendous logistical and political hurdles in carrying out these demonstrations.
The scope and efficacy of the declared protests are yet unknown since many of its participants are on the run.
