The National Citizen Party (NCP) has intensified its campaign to have the Awami League deregistered, citing its alleged role in the July Uprising massacres.
However, rather than advocating for an immediate executive ban, the party prefers a judicial process to permanently outlaw the former ruling party.
NCP leaders have stated that until the legal proceedings conclude, the Awami League should not be allowed to engage in political activities, nor should any efforts be made to rehabilitate the party.
“At present, our primary focus is on the deregistration of the Awami League. However, we must proceed step by step through judicial processes to secure a formal ban on the party,” said Samanta Sharmin, senior joint convenor, NCP.
While pushing for its agenda against the Awami League, the NCP is exercising caution regarding Bangladesh’s military and Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman.
Senior party leaders have been instructed to refrain from endorsing any campaigns against the military chief while maintaining a firm stance against the militarisation of politics.
The party's decision follows recent controversial remarks by NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah, who alleged that an Indian-backed conspiracy was underway to reintroduce a “refined” Awami League into politics.
The claims sparked widespread debate, prompting a denial from the military headquarters, which dismissed the statement as political grandstanding.
In light of the backlash, the NCP’s core leadership has agreed to exercise discretion while discussing military matters, with a senior official stating: “We will not support any movement to remove the army chief, as it could plunge the country into further instability. However, we firmly believe that political decisions must be made by political entities, not external forces.”
The NCP has indicated that it will intensify public demonstrations post-Eid to prevent the Awami League from regaining political ground.
While specific actions have yet to be finalised, party leaders have confirmed that the demand for the Awami League’s deregistration and subsequent prosecution will remain central to their movement.
