A new political platform has emerged from Dhaka University demanding the banning of Awami League (AL) and trials for those responsible for last year's July massacre.
The group announced a two-week nationwide campus campaign called 'July Revives' during a press conference held Sunday afternoon.
The platform, officially named 'Movement to ban the genocidal Awami League', was launched at Dhaka University's Madhu's Canteen at 3 PM on 23 March.
Mosaddeq Ali Ibn Mohammad, organiser of the platform, outlined their campaign strategy which will include meetings with martyrs' families and injured protesters, public outreach programmes, discussions with political and social leaders, engagement with civil society members, awareness campaigns both online and offline, and wall writings.
During the press conference, Mosaddeq expressed frustration that no effective steps have been taken to bring the perpetrators to justice in the seven months since the July massacre.
"The killers are roaming freely in broad daylight, secretly regrouping to create disorder in the country, and even conducting sudden protest marches," he claimed.
He argued that the interim government has failed in its two most crucial duties; ensuring medical treatment for the injured and rehabilitating martyrs' families, as well as punishing those responsible for the July massacre and banning the Awami League. "It's a painful reality that the injured still have to protest for their medical treatment," Mosaddeq stated.
"Failing to provide proper medical care to those who shed their blood for a fascist-free Bangladesh is the greatest failure," Mosaddeq declared. He emphasised that "a nation that cannot properly honour its heroic sons will struggle to maintain its sovereignty."
The platform organiser expressed deep sorrow over the lack of proper medical care for injured protesters, noting that many, including Shaheed Ikramul Haq Sajid, lost their lives due to inadequate treatment.
Describing Awami League as a "terrorist organisation", Mosaddeq alleged that certain groups, including government advisors, are attempting to rehabilitate the party; actions he described as "a betrayal of the martyrs and wounded of July."
He claimed the July massacre has been recognised not only by local organisations but also by international human rights groups and the United Nations. According to Mosaddeq, Awami League is "a militant armed group" responsible for multiple atrocities including July massacre, Shapla Square massacre, Pilkhana killings, and "countless enforced disappearances and murders."
"There are over a thousand reasons why the Awami League should be banned," he concluded.
NRE/SH
