Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman has called for the outright dismissal of a petition seeking the prohibition of the Awami League and the cancellation of its registration.
A High Court bench comprising Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Muhammad Mahbub Ul Islam conducted a hearing on the petition on Tuesday (27 August).
During the proceedings, Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman asserted that the interim government has no intention of banning any political party.
He emphasised that the government would not undermine the constitutional authority granted to political parties. He pointed out that the people had already suffered from the injustices of previous authoritarian regimes, and the legal system exists to address those grievances.
He argued that since Awami League members adhere to the party’s ideology, there is no justification for banning the party.
The attorney general further stated that many sincere leaders and activists within the Awami League firmly believe in their principles.
Thus, it is not the court's role to outlaw a party with such committed members.
Referring to the slogan "Who will judge the judges? The people have awakened", he remarked that the new freedom brought by the mass uprising led by students must ensure everyone's freedom of speech and fundamental rights.
Therefore, the independence of political party operations cannot be curtailed at this time.
He also commented on the recent attack on the former chief justice's residence, which, according to him, was a regrettable event that none had desired.
He attributed this outburst to the widespread anger against the judiciary's support of the previous authoritarian regime's injustices.
As a Supreme Court lawyer, he expressed that any attack on the judiciary causes profound distress.
He concluded that dragging field politics into the court by seeking to ban a political party is inappropriate, especially when no political party has come to court with such a petition.
The attorney general urged the High Court to dismiss the petition, stating that the Awami League, against whom the petition was filed, had not been made a party to the petition, nor had any notice been served.
He argued that the petition lacks locus standi and is therefore not maintainable. He also requested that the petitioner be fined for bringing this petition.
At one point during the hearing, when the petitioner’s lawyer requested more time for the hearing, the High Court bench of Justice AKM Asaduzzaman and Justice Muhammad Mahbub Ul Islam adjourned the proceedings and scheduled the next hearing for 1 September.
Previously, on 19 August, Arifur Rahman Murad Bhuiyan, on behalf of the human rights organisation Sarada Society, filed a petition in the High Court seeking to ban the Awami League and cancel its registration.
The petition also sought to change the names of institutions associated with Sheikh Hasina.
Additionally, the petition requested that the current interim government's tenure be extended for at least three years to facilitate national reforms.
