Ousted ex-PM Sheikh Hasina‘s Awami League has announced a series of political programmes, including a general strike and blockade, next month, demanding the removal of Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus-led interim government over alleged ‘oppressed misrule’.
The announcement was made by the party on Facebook.
According to the statement, the party has declared its intent to take to the streets starting February 1 to press for the resignation of the interim government and to implement the hartal and blockade programs, reported Dhaka Tribune.
According to reports, the party will distribute leaflets and campaign materials for their demands.
Nationwide Protest Announced
On February 6, protest marches and rallies will be held across the country, followed by demonstrations and rallies on February 10, the newspaper reported.
A nationwide blockade has been announced for February 16, and a dawn-to-dusk “strict” hartal will take place on February 18, the newspaper reported.
Terming as ‘farcical trials’, the party also demanded withdrawal of murder cases and other charges against Sheikh Hasinaand others at the International Crimes Tribunal.
Interestingly, the press release referred to Sheikh Hasina as the “Prime Minister” despite the Awami League being ousted from power, the Bangladeshi newspaper reported.
Despite calling for the hartal and announcing other protest programmes, the party has remained inactive in Bangladesh since August 5 when Sheikh Hasina fled to India amid wide protests against her government.
Most of the party leaders are either in prison or they are hiding.
Some of them managed to escape abroad.
Hasina Flees To India
The 76-year-old’s government in Bangladesh collapsed last year following massive students’ protests over quota. The government was toppled after the protests and clashes that claimed at least 600 lives.
Hasina fled to her friendly country India to save her life.
A conspiracy was hatched to assassinate me and my sister. We escaped death by 20-25 minutes,” the ousted PM later said.
(With inputs from IBNS)
