Salahuddin urges unity against return of fascism

"The freedom and democratic aspirations achieved through the 2024 mass uprising can only be protected if people from all walks of life remain united against any attempt to revive fascism," he said.

He made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled "The Turning Point of the Mass Uprising" organised by the Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC) of Dhaka University. 

The minister called upon all pro-democracy forces to preserve the national unity forged during the anti-autocracy movement.

Recalling the early days of the July movement, Salahuddin said he had closely supported the movement despite being in exile at the time. 

The minister said the government was committed to implementing constitutional and institutional reforms in line with the "31-point reform agenda" and the "National July Charter" signed by political parties opposing authoritarian rule.

Reaffirming the government's position on prosecuting ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Salahuddin said there would be no opportunity for her to surrender on special terms. 

He said the interim government had formally sought her extradition under the existing treaty and that she would be arrested upon her return to Bangladesh to face trial and the implementation of any court verdict.

The minister also said arrest warrants had been issued through Interpol against several former ministers, lawmakers and officials who fled abroad, adding that former inspector general of police Benazir Ahmed had already been arrested.

On the issue of the Awami League's political future, Salahuddin said the government did not support banning any political party through an executive order. 

Instead, he said, the party's future should be determined through judicial proceedings.

He said amendments to the International Crimes Tribunal Act and the Anti-Terrorism Act would allow not only individuals but also organisations, including the Awami League, to be prosecuted where applicable.

Salahuddin also referred to Article 47 of the Constitution, saying it provides legal grounds for trying organisations accused of genocide and crimes against humanity.

Drawing a historical comparison, the minister said the legal process against the Awami League should follow judicial principles similar to the post-World War II Nuremberg trials, rather than administrative measures.

The minister further urged political parties not to exploit the spirit of the July movement for partisan interests, saying the movement belonged to the people who had resisted authoritarianism.

He also announced that Ganabhaban was being transformed into the "July Memorial Museum" to preserve the memory of the uprising and serve as a reminder for future generations.

The programme was chaired by JCD President Rakibul Islam Rakib and moderated by its General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir. 

The welcome address was delivered by Nahiduzzaman Shipon, General Secretary of JCD Dhaka University unit.

BNP Joint Secretary General Habib-un-Nabi Khan Sohel attended the event as the special guest, alongside other leaders of the student organisation. The programme concluded with prayers for those killed during the July mass uprising, reports BSS.