In light of ongoing speculation surrounding its political future following a student-led uprising, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has emphasised that the Awami League should neither be barred from participating in the upcoming national elections nor banned as a fascist party, warning that such measures would undermine democratic practices.
In an interview with UNB, Fakhrul voiced scepticism about the Awami League’s potential for a political resurgence, claiming that the party has become politically bankrupt and is increasingly isolated from the public, particularly the younger generation, due to its anti-people policies and heavy reliance on state forces and bureaucracy during its tenure in power.
Fakhrul also urged political parties to remain vigilant and act responsibly, expressing concerns about the possibility of a "1/11-style" depoliticisation plot being orchestrated by both domestic and international actors.
This is the first report in a three-part series based on an extensive interview with Fakhrul, where he discussed the current political landscape, government reforms, the upcoming national election, BNP's future plans, and the party's internal council.
“Why should the Awami League be excluded from the polls if we truly want democracy? If a historic political party like the Awami League wishes to participate, the people should be allowed to determine its fate,” Fakhrul stated, disagreeing with those advocating for the Awami League's exclusion from the upcoming election.
He suggested that the Awami League is likely to participate in the elections under the current interim government.
“Even after a significant upheaval and regime change in 1975, the Awami League did not boycott the elections. It participated, and I believe that was a prudent strategy for the party," he added.
The BNP leader stressed that boycotting elections is not always the appropriate strategy for democratic parties.
“While boycotts can be part of a political movement, as we have done in the past, it was a valid decision at that time. However, when a party is in crisis, one of the key ways to recover is by contesting elections and moving forward," he said.
Fakhrul also criticised the tendency within Bangladesh's political culture to demand the banning of political parties, saying, “For example, banning Jamaat-e-Islami was an unjustified decision. What was achieved by it? Jamaat has returned to politics. Therefore, I don't believe banning parties is a productive course of action.”
However, he contended that, even if the Awami League participates in the upcoming polls, the Bangladeshi public will reject the party due to its oppressive tactics and its role in suppressing democratic movements.
When questioned about the potential banning of the Awami League for 10 years under a draft amendment to the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act of 1973, he acknowledged that the proposal to ban Sheikh Hasina’s party for crimes against humanity has been introduced within a legal framework.
“Nonetheless, I am unsure whether this course of action is appropriate from a democratic standpoint,” Mirza Fakhrul added.
Drawing historical parallels, Fakhrul noted that both the Nazi Party in Germany and Mussolini’s National Fascist Party in Italy were banned.
“In my view, democracy must be allowed to function democratically, and democratic practices must be preserved. While fascist parties may be banned, how can we guarantee they won’t re-emerge in another form? In Western countries, pro-Nazi parties are making a resurgence," he said.
Fakhrul argued that if democratic processes are upheld, the public will naturally respond to the wrongdoings of any political party, including fascist ones.
“Personally, I am not in favour of banning the Awami League or any political party,” he emphasised.
The interim government recently prepared a draft amendment to the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973, introducing a provision allowing for the banning of a political party for up to 10 years if found guilty of committing crimes against humanity or genocide.
Addressing the Awami League's future prospects following its ousting in a mass uprising, Fakhrul remarked, “I have long stated that the Awami League is politically bankrupt. When a party becomes overly reliant on bureaucracy and state mechanisms, it loses touch with the people and fails to comprehend their demands. This is precisely the situation the Awami League finds itself in.”
He further asserted that the Awami League’s greatest loss is its growing disconnect with the public, particularly the younger generation.
“While the Awami League may continue to engage in political activities, it remains uncertain whether the party can rebuild its relationship with the public and regain their trust anytime soon," he said.
Fakhrul stressed that the student-led uprising was not the product of any one political party, but rather a spontaneous movement driven by widespread frustration with the Awami League’s fascist regime.
He also warned of ongoing efforts by certain political parties and factions to malign the BNP, attributing this to conspiracies by both local and international actors.
“We are witnessing signs of depoliticisation and malicious plots reminiscent of 1/11. As such, we must remain vigilant, for a government in Bangladesh cannot function without the involvement of politics," the BNP leader said.
Mirza Fakhrul concluded by stating that the country should be governed by individuals who have a genuine connection with the people, rather than by a small elite of intellectuals, bureaucrats, and technocrats.
