General Secretary of Gono Odhikar Porishod (GOP), Md. Rashed Khan, stated that the organization has been vocal about prosecuting the perpetrators of the genocide from the beginning. However, the government’s actions have been lacking. He warned that if the government does not clarify its stance on the prosecution of genocide and banning the Awami League within 48 hours, they will stage a protest by blocking the Jamuna River.
He made these remarks during a protest rally in front of the organization’s central office at Alraji Complex on Wednesday (February 5) at 12 p.m.
In his speech as the chief guest, Rashed Khan stated that the Awami League cannot be forgiven for the crimes they have committed. He emphasized that Sheikh Hasina should be brought back from India and hanged. He added that showing sympathy towards the Awami League is a betrayal of the blood of the martyrs, and anyone who betrays them will end up like the Awami League.
He also criticized the government’s inept advisory council, claiming that state reform is not possible through them. According to him, revolutionary advisors are needed for state reform, but most of the current advisors are elitist, and he does not expect them to bring about state reform. He further pointed out their failures, including the luxury cars and irregularities in their vehicle usage, questioning if this was part of state reform.
Rashed Khan emphasized that they demand accountability for the past six months and want to see examples of state reforms. He stated that the financial accounts of the advisors should be presented publicly. If they want to establish accountability, they should first ensure their own accountability. He questioned whether keeping Professor Solimullah behind at the Bangla Academy is state reform and criticized the incompetence of those who fail to respect the capable.
He also spoke about the government’s decision to include a student representative in every department committee across the country, questioning the role of students in these committees. He argued that having students involved in such committees sends the wrong message, as it gives the impression that students are deciding who should hold positions in the government.
Faruk Hasan, the spokesperson and senior vice president of the Gono Odhikar Porishod , stated that the government has not shown any effective initiative regarding the banning of the Awami League. On the contrary, he observed leniency and generosity towards the Awami League. He emphasized that their clear stance is that until the war crimes trials are carried out, the Awami League’s political and organizational activities should be banned, and its registration should be canceled.
He also mentioned that while the formation of a new political party is welcomed, the government’s cooperation with a party that solely represents the ideology of the people will not be accepted. He further stressed that the advisors should resign for any meaningful political change to take place, and until the Awami League is tried and banned, the resignation would not be acknowledged by the public. He warned that such actions could lead the nation into a significant crisis.
During this time, under the chairmanship of Advocate Sheikh Shawkat Hossain, President of Dhaka District Gono Odhikar Porishod, other speakers included Senior Council Member Mahfuzur Rahman, Vice Presidents Abdur Rahman, Zafar Mahmood, and General Secretary of Dhaka Metropolitan South, Nurul Karim Shakil, among others.
Liberty News’ political corrspondent reports that the Dhaka District Gono Odhikar Porishod organized this protest rally demanding immediate justice for the perpetrators of the mass killings in the July People’s Uprising and the one-party fascist regime established through 16 years of abductions, killings, plundering under the guise of development, money laundering, and crimes against humanity. After the rally, the leaders presented a memorandum to the Dhaka District Commissioner with a protest procession.
LND/SAKIB
