Asif Mahmud Claims Efforts to Restore Awami League Through Jatiya Party

Local government advisor Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiya has commented that there are attempts to bring the Awami League back to power through the Jatiya Party. He said that since the ‘refined’ Awami League’s previous efforts failed, efforts are now being made to restore it via the Jatiya Party, which he described as a well-known fascist organization.

On Sunday afternoon, Asif Mahmud visited Dhaka Medical College (DMCH) Hospital’s emergency department to see Nurul Haque, president of the Ganadhikar Parishad, who is currently receiving treatment. Speaking to journalists at the hospital, he made these remarks.

He further claimed that the Awami League’s fascist-led parliaments had repeatedly been legitimized by the Jatiya Party in the past. According to him, under India’s guidance, a manufactured parliament has been created in Bangladesh, presenting a façade of democracy. He added, “If these identified fascists receive any form of support, it will neither be acceptable from the government’s side nor from the people. I expect anti-fascist political parties to stand against it.”

Asif Mahmud also accused certain actors of seeking political or democratic settlements that exclude the Awami League, under the guise of participatory elections. He warned that if anti-fascist political parties are forced to become either government or opposition allies, such settlements could proceed, and those who fail to bring the Awami League back in any form might attempt to disrupt the elections.

Regarding the potential ban on the Jatiya Party, he said the government has not yet made an official decision but has already begun consultations with stakeholders. Today, the Chief Advisor is scheduled to meet with several political parties and organizations associated with the July uprising. The government will consider the perspectives presented by political parties and the public before making a decision.

The advisor also criticized the attack on Ganadhikar Parishad president Nurul Haque, saying such incidents did not occur even during the Awami League’s previous governments, yet it has happened under the current administration. “The government must take responsibility for this,” he added.

On allegations against the military by the Ganadhikar Parishad, Asif Mahmud said, “The government is considering forming a strong investigation committee. This was not an attack on an ordinary political worker but on the head of a political party. I have never seen such an event even during the Awami League era. This is extremely regrettable.” He emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring that such shocking incidents do not occur in the future.