Sheikh Hasina thanks party workers for observing protest march

Awami League President, five-time Prime Minister, and Bangabandhu’s daughter, Sheikh Hasina, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to party leaders and activists for the successful implementation of the protest programme on Monday, overcoming the brutal repression, torture, and extreme obstacles imposed by the illegal fascist occupying Yunus regime.

In a statement issued on Monday night, Sheikh Hasina said that there is no form of state terror that is not being used. Rather, new and inhumane methods of cruelty are being inflicted daily.

She issued a stern warning against the anti-national and anti-people regime and its collaborators, saying that they will face justice on the soil of Bangladesh for the extreme injustices and persecution against the Awami League.

From morning, leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliate organisations of the Dhaka Metropolitan Unit brought out processions in Shahbagh, College Gate, Kamrangirchar and Kadamtali of Dhaka, and Manikganj, Rajshahi and Chittagong outside the capital.

The programme was announced on June 13, demanding the resignation of the fascist Yunus-led government and stopping the farcical trial of the Awami League leaders at the International Crimes Tribunal.

Members of the Awami League, Krishak League, Jubo League and Chhatra League participated in the processions, defying the ban on party activities. They chanted “Joy Bangla, Joy Bangabandhu,” which drew support from the locals.

The mainstream media continued ignoring the Awami League’s statements and protest marches on Monday.

On June 23, a virtual discussion meeting will be held on the occasion of the party’s founding anniversary. In addition, food and clothes will be distributed among helpless and distressed people.

Protests will be held in divisional cities across the country on June 24, at all organisational district levels on July 1, and at upazila and union levels on July 16.

Detectives on alert

To thwart the programmes, the Special Branch of police on Sunday issued a letter to its top officials and the DMP commissioner, asking for strict action.

The letter, issued by the additional DIG (political), highlights the ban on the Awami League’s activities imposed on May 12.

Brutality continues

Sheikh Hasina recently said that Awami League leaders and activists are being arrested, sued, and having their homes looted. The police are failing to act against killers and looters, instead targeting Awami League members.

She said that the party has collected the names of 474 deceased leaders and activists.

Sheikh Hasina said that at least 137,000 Awami League leaders, activists, journalists, intellectuals, professionals, and freedom fighters are currently imprisoned.

Approximately 80,000 cases naming over 5,00,000 leaders and activists have been filed, a “world record” by Yunus.

On the other hand, Yunus has released listed terrorists and militants from jail, and used the courts to secure acquittal for himself, razakars and terrorists. The government also gave indemnity to the criminals.

Human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has revealed that 172 people were killed in lynchings across the country from August last year till May 31 this year, mostly Awami League leaders and activists.

Moreover, at least 25 Awami League leaders and activists have died in prison custody under suspicious and brutal circumstances.

In the statement, Sheikh Hasina said that the Awami League leaders and activists have unwavering faith in the ideals, principles, and democratic values of the party. For this reason, no evil force can suppress their indomitable strength and courage.

“Overcoming mountainous barriers, they remain committed to establishing the rights of the people. It is from this spirit of dedication that they are implementing the declared programs of the party even in this extremely hostile time,” said Deshratna Sheikh Hasina.

She stated that the leaders and activists of the Awami League are facing brutal persecution at the hands of this illegal occupying government and its deployed state and non-state mercenary forces simply because they are standing up for the people’s rights.

Sheikh Hasina said: “I demand the unconditional release of all Awami League leaders and activists, as well as other pro-Liberation leaders and professionals from all walks of life, who have been falsely accused, harassed with fabricated cases, and illegally detained without trial.”