AL registration must be cancelled during trial: Nahid

National Citizens Party (NCP) convener Nahid Islam has demanded that the Awami League's political activities be banned and its registration cancelled during the ongoing trial for genocide and crimes against humanity.

At a press conference held at Bangla Motor in the capital on Friday (March 21) night, Nahid emphasised that the NCP remains resolute in opposing any attempts to reintroduce this "mafia group" into politics. 

Nahid said that the NCP believes the trial process must be transparent and visible to the public. Since its inception, the party has consistently maintained that any political activity by the Awami League without acknowledging responsibility, expressing repentance, and making amends for its past actions is akin to rehabilitating fascism. 

"Awami League is not a democratic or political party," Nahid asserted. "It is a fascist organisation. The Awami League's defeat did not occur through electoral votes but as a result of an unprecedented student-led public uprising. This party, through organisational decisions, has committed genocide in Bangladesh. It was ousted by the collective will of the people." 

The former information adviser further noted that the Awami League currently exists outside the framework of democracy. The NCP firmly opposes any discussions or proposals to allow the Awami League to participate in future elections.

He highlighted that on July 30, the people of Bangladesh decisively rejected the Awami League’s ideology and political existence. As such, the party has lost all rights to engage in politics in Bangladesh. 

Nahid iterated his call for banning the Awami League's political activities and cancelling its registration during the trial for genocide and crimes against humanity.

He also criticised recent statements from the chief adviser regarding the Awami League's potential participation in elections. 

"Such remarks from a high-ranking state official are highly inappropriate, especially before tangible progress is made in the trials related to the July massacre, including the Pilkhana massacre, Shapla Chattar killings, murders during the anti-aggression movement, enforced disappearances, crossfire incidents, vote robbery, and other heinous crimes committed under the Awami League's rule," Nahid said. 

The NCP convener concluded by urging all stakeholders to remain vigilant and ensure that justice prevails, emphasizing that Bangladesh must never allow the return of a party responsible for such atrocities.