July on BNP's lips, Awami League in its heart: Hasnat
The NCP leader alleged that many BNP leaders and activists who were persecuted during the Awami League's rule are now being sidelined within the party, while a section of newcomers is getting opportunities for business benefits and to extend influence.
National Citizen Party (NCP) Chief Organiser (Southern Region) Hasnat Abdullah today (13 October) alleged that the trial of the July killings was becoming a mere formality, accusing the BNP-led government of prioritising power, corruption and the rehabilitation of the Awami League over state reforms.
"BNP has July on its lips but Awami League in its heart. This kind of relationship has created unease in the country's politics," he said while speaking at a discussion titled "Trial of the July Massacre: Gap between Political Promises and Reality" at the NCP's central office in Banglamotor in the capital.
"We wanted a change in the state structure, where everyone would receive fair and equal treatment. But we saw that only the chairs have changed. Some became MPs, some ministers, some state ministers. Many individuals have changed their positions, but the state structure has not changed," Hasnat said.
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Alleging links between a section of the BNP and the Awami League, he said there is a difference between BNP leaders and activists who endured torture, cases and imprisonment for over a decade and a half, and the newcomers who joined the party after 5 August, 2024.
The NCP leader alleged that many BNP leaders and activists who were persecuted during the Awami League's rule are now being sidelined within the party, while a section of newcomers is getting opportunities for business benefits and to extend influence.
He, however, did not provide detailed evidence to back the allegations.
Questioning the progress of investigations in connection with cases filed over the killings and violence during the July mass uprising, Hasnat said many cases have named large numbers of accused without consulting the victims. "These cases are later being used as a means of extorting money and striking deals," he alleged.
He also raised questions about how many of the cases filed at police stations across Bangladesh have seen charge sheets submitted. "We have repeatedly said: submit charge sheets quickly. File charges against the real culprits and ensure the trial of the Awami League as a party," he said.
The NCP leader alleged that the slow pace of investigation and trial is casting doubt over the prosecution of the real perpetrators, and stressed the need to complete investigations swiftly, submit charge sheets and move the trials forward.
On the question of the Awami League's trial and political rehabilitation, he said the party must be tried as an organisation, not just its individual members. He alleged that the Awami League has yet to acknowledge its past crimes as a party.
Hasnat also criticised the government's economic policy and growth targets, saying the 6.5 percent GDP growth the government talks about is hard to achieve in the current economic reality, where the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast growth to fall to 3.42 percent.
He also questioned job creation efforts, alleging that members of influential political families are getting more benefits than ordinary people in the distribution of employment and business opportunities.
The NCP leader also alleged nepotism in the allocation of dealerships for fertiliser and other commodities, and in government contract works.
