Dhaka, August 8, 2024 — Dr. Colonel (Ret.) Oli Ahmed Bir Bikram, President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has called for the cancellation and banning of the Awami League’s registration, labeling the party as a tyrannical and terrorist organization. In a press conference held on Thursday morning at the LDP’s central office in Moghbazar, Dhaka, Colonel Oli urged for national unity across all demographics in the aftermath of authoritarian rule.
Colonel Oli extended heartfelt congratulations to Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus and the new government, expressing hope for their success in executing their duties. He emphasized the need for compensation, rehabilitation, and proper medical care for those who were martyred or injured in recent student and public movements. He also called for the release and reemployment or rehabilitation of Bangladeshi expatriates convicted and deported from countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore.
The LDP President further demanded the withdrawal of all false cases against individuals who have been victims of political vengeance since 2009, insisting on the immediate release of those arrested and detained under such pretenses.
Highlighting the need for justice, Colonel Oli called for a comprehensive list of individuals kidnapped, killed, or disappeared by the government, including former Member of Parliament Ilias Ali. He advocated for the establishment of an independent investigation commission and the removal of illegitimate additions to the freedom fighter list since 1996, alongside the dismissal of their descendants from government employment.
Colonel Oli stressed the importance of arresting all accused and fugitive individuals associated with the previous authoritarian regime, based on credible information. He called for the seizure of their illegal assets and urged the international community to assist in repatriating assets smuggled abroad.
He also emphasized the necessity of preventing any accused individuals from fleeing the country and criminals from infiltrating through Bangladesh’s land, water, or airports. Additionally, he insisted that Sheikh Hasina should be brought back to the country to face trial as soon as a conducive environment is established.
Colonel Oli demanded the announcement of a clear schedule for national elections within six months and the formation of a committee to amend the constitution to ensure that the next four national elections are conducted under a caretaker government system.
Furthermore, he stated that no individual should hold the top executive position in any institution of the Republic, including educational institutions, for more than two terms.
The LDP President outlined several immediate measures:
- Urged all government officials and employees to promptly return to their duties.
- Suggested the temporary reappointment of retired police officers if necessary.
- Proposed using DGFI and other detention centers as safe havens for those surrendering.
- Called for the temporary submission of all illegal weapons to the nearest law enforcement agency and the suspension of all firearm licenses issued since 2009, pending investigation.
Colonel Oli appealed to the public to aid in reviving the economy by swiftly normalizing ports, customs, and all government services. He urged all business establishments, including garment factories, to resume normal operations while ensuring security. Additionally, he called on expatriate workers to send remittances through legal channels.