The Information Adviser of the interim government, Nahid Islam, has stated that the Awami League and its student wing, Chhatra League, will no longer be allowed to engage in politics under their current ideology and names.
Speaking at an event titled "The Heroes of Dhaka University", organized by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement at Dhaka University's TSC on Monday night, Nahid Islam emphasized that the interim government is committed to holding the Awami League accountable under the law.
"This is our pledge to the martyrs. Awami League and Chhatra League will not be able to continue politics in Bangladesh with their current ideology and names," Nahid Islam asserted.
He added that the fight against fascism and authoritarianism is far from over, warning that any attempts to undermine the spirit of the July movement would be met with strong resistance.
Reflecting on the historical role of Dhaka University in leading transformative movements, Nahid Islam highlighted the university's legacy of standing against oppression. "Dhaka University has always been at the forefront of change. Every autocrat has tried to suppress this institution, but it has consistently shown the nation the path to freedom," he said.
He also recounted the brutal crackdowns on students over the past 15 years, where halls and campuses were turned into sites of fear and repression.
Nahid Islam paid tribute to the students of both public and private universities who played a pivotal role in the July mass uprising. "On July 17, we thought we had lost. But on July 18, private university students joined us, and their courage turned the tide," he recalled.
He also condemned the violent attacks by Chhatra League members on July 15, describing the incident as deeply tragic and a reminder of the people's solidarity with the students.
The Information Adviser did not shy away from criticizing certain factions within Dhaka University's faculty, accusing some of complicity with fascism. "Over the past 15 years, a section of teachers proved themselves as collaborators of fascism, while others stood by us with courage. We will move forward, but we will not forget the past," he said.
Nahid Islam called for a thorough investigation into the injustices and atrocities committed on Dhaka University's campus over the years. He shared his personal experience of being attacked near the Vice-Chancellor's residence in 2019, alleging that the university administration had failed to ensure justice for such incidents. "The Proctor's office is filled with hundreds of complaints of student abuse, yet no action has been taken. This culture of impunity must end," he said.
He urged the current administration to ensure proper investigations and trials for those who enabled such oppression, emphasizing that this would deter future university authorities from tolerating such injustices. "We must document the history of torture and repression at Dhaka University over the past 15-16 years. Only then can we ensure that such atrocities are never repeated," Nahid Islam concluded.
