Several Islamic political groups, including the National Citizens’ Party (NCP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, have suddenly intensified their demand to ban the ruling Awami League. Although this demand had surfaced at various times last year, no significant movement was seen in recent months—until now.
Public discontent has been growing over soaring commodity prices, alleged stock market manipulation, and corruption scandals involving top NCP leaders. According to political analysts and members of the public, the renewed push to ban Awami League is a strategic move to divert attention from these pressing issues, including the controversial Myanmar-Bangladesh corridor deal.
On Friday, demonstrators blocked the key Shahbagh intersection in Dhaka, demanding the banning of Awami League. The blockade was initiated following an announcement by Hasnat Abdullah, a senior NCP organizer from the southern region.
The protest began around 4:40 PM when marchers arrived from Minto Road and occupied the Shahbagh intersection. Activists from NCP, Islami Chhatra Shibir, UP Bangladesh, Democratic Student Alliance, and Islami Andolon participated in the blockade.
Protesters declared they would not leave the streets until the Awami League is officially banned.
One local businessman, Abdul Alim, expressed concern during the protest, saying, “Talking openly about these matters is risky. Banning a major political party is not a simple issue. Instead of focusing on national reforms and development, this seems like a staged distraction.”
Political analyst Md. Rokonuzzaman commented, “This demand to ban the Awami League appears to be an old political tactic. We’ve seen ongoing investigations into corruption, misuse of power, and commission scandals involving NCP leaders. This sudden movement looks like an attempt to postpone the election and shift focus away from their own controversies.”
He added, “The government is under criticism for inflation, stock market irregularities, and the controversial corridor deal with Myanmar. Prioritizing the banning of a political party over resolving these national issues is regrettable.”
