Mob justice not acceptable: Attorney General

He warned that continuous acts of mob violence, like the recent assault on former CEC Nurul Huda, could jeopardise the country's democratic achievements, even if accountability for wrongdoing is necessary.

Speaking at the ‘Shadow Parliament’ organised by Debate for Democracy at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC) in the capital, he said all political forces must also unite against fascism, as  the public outrage witnessed over the past 17 years was born from injustices.

“No one convicted by the International Crimes Tribunal should be allowed to contest in elections. The tribunal also has jurisdiction over organisations complicit in crimes against humanity. Awami League represents a banned entity, and anyone associated—directly or indirectly—with it must be held accountable under the law,” he said.

Referring to the previous regime, the Attorney General alleged that members of the so-called civil society, including university teachers, lawyers and journalists, became subservient to authoritarian rule. They played a key role in turning Bangladesh into a fascist state, he alleged.

“Differences between political parties are not irreconcilable. Dialogue can resolve disagreements. But when it comes to fascism, there is no room for division—we must be united,” Asaduzzaman said.

In his remarks, Debate for Democracy Chairman Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron said the Awami League cannot evade responsibility for the July killings.

“No assassination during the July movement happened without the consent of fugitive Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Over the past 15 years, the Awami regime has built torture cells, disappeared citizens, and committed acts of violence that are unforgivable,” he said.

Calling Hasina a ‘merciless and tyrannical ruler’, Kiron further labeled her as the ‘ambassador of authoritarianism’ and ‘godmother of fascism’, asserting she is now recognized globally as a symbol of dictatorship. “She is the second person in 700 years of South Asian history to flee power amid public outrage.”

He added that following Hasina’s departure, the Awami League has lost political and social credibility. If found guilty of crimes related to the July killings, many Awami League leaders, including Hasina, may be declared ineligible to run for office. “National elections can still be fair and acceptable without the Awami League,” he claimed.

“July was a turning point in our post-liberation history. It represents unity and pride. Those who uphold the spirit of July must remain united to build an inclusive, humane state. We must ensure fascism never returns,” Kiron said.

He acknowledged that some lack of consensus among opposition parties like BNP, Jamaat and NCP is causing public unease, but expressed hope that all parties—except Awami League and its allies—would unite to prevent any fascist resurgence.

“If elections are not held on time, defeated forces may attempt to return. But the July uprising has proven that the people are the true owners of the country. No fascist regime can survive by depriving the people,” he concluded. “And if fascism returns, the people—especially students and youth—won’t wait another 15 years,” Kiron said.

In the debate competition titled ‘Citizen Society’s Role in Implementing the Spirit of the July Movement Is Greater Than That of the Government’, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University defeated Daffodil International University to emerge as winners, reports UNB.