Just banning a party will not make it disappear: Kader Siddiqui

 
Abdul Kader Siddique founding President of the Krishak Sramik Janata League said on Sunday that, only the public have the authority to make any decision to ban activities of Awami League. 

Kader Siddique spoke to journalists during a visit to Chhatihaati village in Kalihati upazila, Tangail. He talked about the country's political situation and the recent decision to ban the Awami League.

He said, "There is a lot of anger and division in the country right now. But people should remember that the Awami League is not Sheikh Hasina's party. It was founded by Maulana Bhashani and guided by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. This is the party that helped Bangladesh achieve independence."

Talking about the interim government's move to ban the Awami League, Kader Siddique said, "You can't make a political party disappear just by banning it. A party only truly loses power when people stop supporting it.

Even if a party is legal, it won't survive without public support."

He added that if any member of the Awami League did something wrong, they should be punished by the law. 

"Only a court can decide if someone is guilty. A decision made by just one group or council is not always fair or correct," he said.

When asked about a possible war between India and Pakistan, he warned that modern war is very dangerous.

"Firing a few shots is not the same as a real war. If India and Pakistan go to war, it will be a disaster and affect the whole world. The Indian government is doing things to please the public, but many people are realizing this is not true leadership," he said.

He continued, "India has smart and experienced leaders. They usually act with care. But right now, the people in power are playing with the idea of war, and they are already seeing the negative effects. If war starts, it will harm not just India and Pakistan, but everyone including Bangladesh."

Kader Siddique said he does not think a war will happen soon, but if it does, Bangladesh will definitely feel the impact as a neighbouring country.

He also said the Awami League has a long and important history connected to Maulana Bhashani and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. "It is not a small or unimportant party. Only the people have the right to decide whether the party should continue or not," he said.