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Khaled Saifulla 17 Nov 2025 , 6:16 PM Print Edition
The verdict in the crimes against humanity case against the deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was overthrown by the student-people’s uprising, is due today. Fear of sabotage has arisen surrounding the announcement of this verdict. Anti-fascist parties are taking to the streets to ensure the banned Awami League cannot create anarchy. The BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) is also on high alert. These parties state that they will immediately resist any disruption to public safety and property.
Anti-fascist leaders state that the Awami League destroyed democracy over the last 17 years. They report that thousands of people were subjected to enforced disappearance, murder, and killing. They claim that a horrific genocide was carried out in July 2024. The leaders mention that Sheikh Hasina fled the country after losing power in the mass uprising. However, they assert that the Awami League has not stopped, and acts of sabotage continue. They cite violence, including arson attacks on vehicles in Dhaka and other places on November 13. Given the new fears of sabotage surrounding today’s verdict, they will remain vigilantly present on the streets.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Secretary General of the BNP, said: “The verdict against the genocide of the fascist Hasina will be announced. Extreme uncertainty and a sense of panic prevail across the country regarding this. A certain quarter is plotting to create anarchy in Bangladesh again. We must stand up and resist. The opportunity created by the students’ uprising in Bangladesh must not be wasted. Everyone must work to ensure that no one can obstruct the path to the transition to democracy.” BNP central leaders confirm that they will remain alert across the country and resist any untoward incidents.
At a joint press conference of eight parties, Professor Mia Ghulam Parwar, Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami, said: “The responsibility for preventing sabotage primarily lies with the government. However, our activists will remain on the ground as before. They will guard important government installations and religious institutions. We will not allow the fascists to raise their heads again.”
Saiful Huq, leader of the Gono Odhikar Moncho (Democracy Platform) and General Secretary of the Revolutionary Workers’ Party, said: “This is primarily the government’s responsibility. If there is any fear of sabotage, the government and law enforcement agencies should counter it. Nevertheless, political parties will maintain a kind of vigilance. They will be on standby. We will all be alert to ensure that no threat to public safety is created.”
Mujibur Rahman Manju, Chairman of Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, said, “We do not consider it very important to be on the ground for this. Because this is a matter of legal prosecution. If the Awami League politicizes this legal issue, then we might also have to take a political stance. However, if there is any attempt at sabotage or ill politics, we will certainly mobilize public opinion. We will not let them succeed if they try to obstruct the judgment.”
Mushfiq-us-Saleheen, Joint Member Secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), stated: “NCP activists will also be on the ground to prevent sabotage by the fascists.”
Syed Ehsanul Huda, Coordinator of the 12-Party Alliance and Chairman of the Bangladesh Jatiya Dal, said: “We will remain on the ground from our respective positions. We will be vigilant to ensure that no one can carry out sabotage or create disorder. We will guard the lives and property of the people against fire terrorism.”
Rashed Khan, General Secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad (People’s Rights Council), said: “The activities of the Awami League are banned organizationally. They have no opportunity to take to the streets. If they do, the people themselves will resist them. We will be on the streets from our side so that they cannot carry out any activities.”
