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Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday said no force involved in the July-August massacre and crimes against humanity has the right to engage in politics in Bangladesh, asserting that the Awami League should also be brought to justice as a political party.
Speaking at a reception and discussion programme organised by the Ministry of Liberation War Affairs at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka, the minister said the people of Bangladesh would never allow any “mafia force” accused of genocide to return to politics.
He said allegations of genocide and crimes against humanity are being investigated by the investigation agency of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), while the judicial process will determine the outcome. He added that legal proceedings should also be initiated against the Awami League as a political party.
Emphasising the need to fulfil the aspirations of the July uprising, Salahuddin said constitutional reforms are essential and urged the adoption of the 18th Amendment to the Constitution through Parliament. He described it as a potentially historic amendment that would bring about meaningful institutional change alongside the work of reform commissions and political dialogue.
Recalling his own experience of enforced disappearance, the home minister said he had been held for 61 days in the notorious secret detention facility known as the “Aynaghar” (House of Mirrors).
“It is difficult to stay there even for 24 hours, yet we endured 61 days,” he said, calling for justice for all victims of enforced disappearances, including former BNP leader Ilias Ali.
The minister also stressed the need for proper medical treatment and rehabilitation of those injured during the July movement. He said severely injured victims who have suffered permanent disabilities should receive special support, and called for a category-based database to ensure adequate treatment, rehabilitation and the inclusion of those who have yet to be officially listed.
Salahuddin said political differences between the ruling party and the opposition are natural in a parliamentary democracy, but stressed that all democratic forces must remain united against fascism to ensure that it never re-emerges in Bangladesh.
