By Rumana Jaman

DHAKA, Feb 7, 2025 (BSS) - Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain has said the current government will take steps soon to ban Awami League (AL) as a political party.

"First of all, it is very positive that political parties have come to a 'consensus' on banning AL,” he said in an interview with BSS on completion of the six months of the incumbent interim government.

Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, also adviser of the ministry of youth and sports, added that country’s people couldn’t accept the undemocratic and monopolistic attitude and activities of the AL when it was in power. That’s why the political parties are reaching to a consensus after August 5 on the banning of the party.”

He continued, “It’ll be easier for the government to implement any decision if there have such consensus among the political parties."

Replying to a query whether the government is taking any immediate steps to ban AL, Asif Mahmud "I think that the common people or political parties, whoever we are, we represent the people of this country. So, our main goal should be to prioritize the aspirations and demands of the people.

He went on, saying “From that point, I would like to applaud the demand been raised by BNP for banning AL.”

Apart from the judicial process, he said, there are four laws under which the government can take step against any party by executive order.

However, the government is yet to decide what legal framework it will follow on this issue, he added.

The adviser said involvement of the autocratic AL in the July-August massacre should be proven naturally in the judicial process and in that case the government can take any step, including banning the AL as a political party and repealing its registration. 

He, however, said that “Since the issue is related to the law, the government will follow all necessary procedures and come to a final decision on banning the party.” 

“I want to make an assurance to all that the government will take immediate steps in this regard to reflect the desires of the people of Bangladesh,” he added.

Regarding the formation of a new political party by the students who led the July mass uprising, Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain said the interim government has taken office after a changeover on August 5. 

In the past, we have seen that all the gains of mass movements were lost as the organizers of those movements could play no role in the subsequent state affairs, he said. 

Even after the movement in 1990s, the democratic rights of the people could not be established, he said adding that considering those issues, the idea of formation of new political party led by the leaders of the July uprising came to the front.

In addition, many stalwarts of the July uprising didn’t join any political party after August 5. Now, they have a desire to be aligned with the state building activities, he said. 

He said a political party is needed to consolidate the forces of July movement. Although a decision for formation of a political party has been made, but name of the party has not been finalized yet. 

The new party might be floated by second week of February, he said.

Answering to another question he said it is yet to be decided whether the new political party will have any representatives from the government.

In principle our position is that if any student representative who is now serving in the government will resign before joining with the political process. 

A student representative will not serve in the government and political party at the same time as it will not be justified out of its responsibility to hold a fair and impartial election, Asif noted.

Asif Mahmud said the interim government is also entrusted with the responsibilities to complete the country's reforms and the trial of fascists. 

“In that case, all decisions will be taken with utmost caution so that no 'conflict' is created,” he said.

About the possibility of his joining in the new political party, Asif Mahmud said, “I have not thought about it yet. I’m reviewing some issues and everyone will know when the decision will be final."

The Youth and Sports Adviser was asked whether he sees anything contradiction between the government’s priority for reforms before election and political parties’ desire for an urgent election. 

The adviser replied negative to it, saying “they aren’t contradictory at all. Resolving of all these issues depend on our goodwill.” 

In this context, he said, this government has indeed come to power with the responsibility of building a positive political structure. After August 5 changeover there was a notion that any political party coming to power will follow the traditional pathway to run the country. 

However, this government is facing many challenges to address the issue as allies of dictator in staying in every spheres of the society, he opined.

Referring to the six reports submitted by the Reform Commissions, Asif Mahmud said a fair election ground can be created only by implementing the reports of the commissions through consultation with appropriate stakeholders.

He further said "It’s not clear to me on what ground the political parties are talking about holding election within the existing structure whereas they used to say during Sheikh Hasina's regime that no fair election is possible under the existing structure.

He added, “If we hold an election under the same constitution and law of racist, how an election can be different from that one held during the regime of Sheikh Hasina? he asked saying “It’s not understandable to me."

The adviser said, "If we hold elections without reforms and hand over power to any party, it will be difficult for them to run the government.” 

“That is why the six reform commissions are being given priority. Because, many of those are related to the constitution while the rest of others are in the public interest which is equally important,” the adviser said.

 “We think, a fair environment for election can be ensured only through meaningful reforms. And the field for elections will be prepared only through reform activities and visible trial of the AL," Asif said.