Jamaat and NCP to take to streets demanding ban on AL again

The streets are gradually becoming a center of political agitation as rival political programs emerge following the announcement by Sheikh Hasina, president of the activities-banned Awami League who is currently staying in India, that she would return to Bangladesh. On one side, encouraged by the announcement, leaders and activists of the ousted party are attempting to demonstrate their presence through sudden processions and other activities. On the other side, a series of incidents involving cocktail bomb explosions, buses set on fire, attacks on important establishments and repeated assaults on leaders of the July mass uprising have heightened political tensions across the country.

Against this backdrop, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) are preparing to deploy their full strength on the streets throughout December to counter the Awami League’s political and organizational activities. The protesters will not only seek to resist the party but will also demand its prohibition through judicial proceedings.

Speaking to senior leaders of the two parties, Agamir Somoy learned that preparations are underway for demonstrations, rallies, sit-in programs, long marches and mass rallies throughout December. The two parties are particularly planning to mobilize their organizational strength in Dhaka. They are also considering joint programs with other political forces supporting the July mass uprising if necessary.

Since the beginning of November, incidents of cocktail bomb explosions and arson have been reported in the capital and various parts of the country. Explosions targeting police stations, courts, educational institutions, police facilities, government offices and important roads, along with attacks involving public transport vehicles being set on fire, have raised concerns about public safety.

Law enforcement agencies have alleged that leaders and activists of the activities-banned Awami League and its affiliated organizations are involved in these incidents. Police say some party leaders staying abroad are issuing instructions and providing financial support online, while activists inside the country are carrying out the activities.

Alongside sabotage, attacks on leaders and activists who played leading roles in the July mass uprising have also raised fresh concerns.

Most recently, a fire broke out at the village home of NCP Joint Convener and reserved-seat Member of Parliament Nusrat Tabassum in Daulatpur, Kushtia. Nusrat alleged that petrol bombs were thrown at the house and it was set on fire with the intention of killing her family members. In connection with the incident, she filed an attempted murder case against eight leaders of the banned Bangladesh Chhatra League, Jubo League and Swechchhasebak League, along with 25 to 30 unidentified individuals.