Citizens Call to Ban Hasina’s Party
Thousands of people gathered on Friday outside the home of Bangladesh’s interim leader, Muhammad Yunus. They called for a ban on the Awami League, the party of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Yunus is 84 years old and a Nobel Peace Prize winner. He has led the interim government since August 2024. That month, student protests forced Hasina out of office. Protesters stormed her home, and she fled to India.
This week’s protest started after Abdul Hamid, a top Awami League leader, left the country. He flew out early Thursday. His exit shocked many and made people angry. By nightfall, large crowds had gathered near Yunus’s house. Most were young and demanded justice.
Protesters Want Justice
Hasnat Abdullah leads the new National Citizen’s Party. He said the protest would not end until their demands were met. Many protesters blamed Hasina for damaging democracy.
“She stole our rights,” said Kamrul, a student. “She made sure no real opposition could win.”
Kamrul also questioned the government. “Why did Hamid leave so easily?” he asked. “Some officials may be helping the old regime return.”
Hasina is still in India. She has ignored an arrest warrant from Dhaka. She faces charges of crimes against humanity. The UN says her government killed 1,400 people in July 2024 during protests.
Government May Ban Awami League
After Hamid left, three airport police officers were fired. They were supposed to guard the airport. Their removal raised new questions about wrongdoing in the system.
Normally, people cannot protest near the chief adviser’s house. But this time, the government allowed it. Officials said the protest was a “matter of national urgency.”
On Friday, the government said it might ban the Awami League. “We are talking with other political groups,” one statement said. “We are also looking at UN reports on human rights abuse.”
A final decision has not been made. But public pressure is growing every day.
