Dhaka, April 16, 2026 — Senior journalist Anis Alamgir has described the decision to ban the political activities of the Awami League as “self-defeating” and “misleading,” arguing that such a move contradicts democratic principles.
Speaking on the talk show “Road to Democracy” aired on RTV, Alamgir said that instead of imposing an executive ban, the fate of any political party should be determined by the জনগণের ভোট (people’s vote).
He noted that when the Bangladesh Nationalist Party was in the process of returning to power and seeking support from Awami League voters, it had not advocated banning the party. Referring to an earlier interview by BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman with Time magazine, Alamgir said Rahman himself opposed banning political parties through executive orders, warning that such actions could set a precedent for future bans on other parties.
Citing former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, Alamgir added that she had called for a shift away from politics of vengeance toward harmony and mutual respect following the events of August 5. He also referenced statements by BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, who has repeatedly emphasized that decisions about banning political parties should rest with the জনগণ.
Highlighting the historical significance of the Awami League, Alamgir said the party is deeply linked with Bangladesh’s independence and still commands a substantial support base across the country, including what he described as a “solid 30 percent vote bank.” Ignoring such a large segment of the electorate, he warned, could have serious political consequences.
Drawing comparisons with Nepal, he noted that governments there have been rejected through electoral processes rather than administrative actions. He stressed that Bangladesh should follow a similar democratic path, allowing voters to decide the future of political parties.
Alamgir also questioned whether the current decision contradicts earlier messages from the BNP about political coexistence ahead of elections. He cautioned that opting for bans instead of political engagement could have long-term negative implications for the country’s democratic framework.
