The interim government has decided to ensure their trial as war criminals. Additionally, the government will discourage fascist parties and alliances from holding public programs.
These statements were made today, Thursday, by Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan during a press briefing following the meeting of the interim government’s advisory council. The meeting, held at the Chief Adviser’s office in Tejgaon, was chaired by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
This was the fifth meeting of the current advisory council, held on the one-month anniversary of the student-people uprising. In this meeting, it was also decided to convert the Prime Minister’s official residence, Ganabhaban, into the ‘July Uprising Memorial Museum.’
Later in the evening, during a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy on Hare Road, Asif Mahmud conveyed the decisions made during the advisory council meeting. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam was also present. Asif Mahmud said, “We have seen attempts in various places to rehabilitate the defeated fascist forces. However, until full justice is ensured, there is no possibility of their rehabilitation.”
In response to a question from the press, he added, “Whether the fascist parties or alliances that once established fascism in Bangladesh will be allowed to continue in politics is a matter left to the people. As for holding public programs, the government will discourage them, though a detailed plan is yet to be finalized. Measures are being taken to ensure a complete trial, and the Ministry of Law is working on this. They will be tried as war criminals.”
He added that the Ministry of Law is overseeing the trial process and will soon release a framework for how the trials will proceed.
The anti-discrimination student movement has consistently labeled the Awami League as a fascist party.
When asked whether the Awami League will be allowed to continue its political activities, Asif Mahmud said that it is for the people of the country to decide. He further added, “Given that the Awami League committed genocide in this country, the people will decide whether they will be allowed to return or not. It’s a matter for the public to decide.”
‘July Uprising Memorial Museum’
During the advisory council meeting, a decision was made to convert Ganabhaban into the ‘July Uprising Memorial Museum.’ Asif Mahmud explained that Ganabhaban will be opened to the public, and the museum will preserve the memories of those martyred during the July uprising, as well as the injustices committed during the fascist era.
Work on this project will begin soon, he said, adding that the current state of Ganabhaban will be preserved as it is, with a museum established inside to house the memories of the uprising. This decision was formally adopted during the advisory council meeting. He also mentioned that experiences from various other places will be considered while creating this museum, and visible steps will be taken soon. The Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will work together on this project.
