A total of 501 engineers from home and abroad have strongly condemned and protested the decision to ban the Bangladesh Awami League. They described the move as “unconstitutional and neo-fascist” and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the ban. Otherwise, they warned, patriotic citizens and professional communities would be compelled to take a firm stand to secure their rights.
In a joint statement sent to the media on Thursday, the engineers identified themselves as believers in the spirit of the Liberation War and committed to building a democratic state system. They said the country is heading toward a deep political crisis under the current circumstances.
The statement alleged that under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, and through an understanding between the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, the government has been systematically working to remove the Awami League from politics. According to them, banning a party that represents a large segment of the population poses a serious threat to democracy and undermines citizens’ voting rights.
The engineers further stated that by creating a vacuum in opposition politics, the ruling alliance is establishing a controlled political environment that weakens the democratic structure of the country. In their view, the decision could jeopardize socio-economic and political stability, as well as pose risks to national security.
The statement also emphasized that engineers, as key contributors to national development and infrastructure, cannot remain silent at such a critical time. They warned that politics driven by vengeance would hinder the country’s future progress and push the nation toward uncertainty.
Finally, the engineers urged the authorities to reconsider the decision immediately and called for the restoration of a democratic political process.
