Govt to take steps soon to ban AL: Asif Mahmud

Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan has said that the present government would take steps soon to ban Awami League (AL) as a political party, reports BSS.
"First of all, it's very positive that political parties have reached a consensus on banning AL," he said in an interview with BSS on the completion of six months of the interim government.
Asif Mahmud, also adviser to the youth and sports ministry, also said that the country's people could not accept the undemocratic and monopolistic attitude and activities of the AL when it was in power.
"That's why the political parties are reaching a consensus on banning AL after the August 5 mass uprising."
"It'll be easier for the government to execute any decision if there have such a consensus among the political parties," the adviser continued.
Replying to a query whether the government is taking any immediate steps to ban AL, Asif said, "I think that the common people or political parties, whoever we are, we represent the people of this country. So, our main goal should be to prioritise the aspirations and demands of the people."
"From that point, I would like to applaud any demand of BNP for banning AL."
Apart from the judicial process, he said, there are four laws under which the government can take steps against any party by an executive order.
However, the government is yet to decide what legal framework it will follow on this issue, he added.
The adviser further said the involvement of the autocratic AL in the July-August massacre should be proved naturally in the judicial process and in that case the government can take any step, including banning the AL and repealing its registration.
"Since the issue is related to the law, the government will follow all necessary procedures and come to a final decision on banning the party."
"I want to make an assurance to all that the government will take immediate steps in this regard to reflect the desires of the people of Bangladesh," he added.
Regarding the formation of a new political party by the students who led the July mass uprising, Asif said the interim government has taken office after a changeover on August 5.
"In the past, we have seen that all the gains of mass movements were lost as the organisers of those movements could play no role in the subsequent state affairs," he said.
Even after the movement in 1990s, the democratic rights of the people could not be established, he said, adding that considering those issues, the idea of formation of a new political party led by the leaders of the July uprising came to the front.
In addition, many stalwarts of the July uprising did not join any political party after August 5. Now, they have a desire to be aligned with the state building activities, he said.
The adviser said a political party is needed to consolidate the forces of the July movement. Although a decision to form a political party has been made, but its name has not been finalised yet.
"The new party might be floated by the second week of February," he said.
Answering to another question he said it is yet to be decided whether the new political party will have any representatives from the government.
"In principle, our position is that any student representative, who is now serving in the government, will resign before joining the political process.
A student representative will not serve in the government and political party at the same time as it will not be justified out of its responsibility to hold a fair and impartial election, Asif noted.
Asif Mahmud said the interim government is also entrusted with the responsibilities to complete the country's reforms and the trial of fascists.
"In that case, all decisions will be taken with utmost caution so that no 'conflict' is created," he said.
About the possibility of his joining the new political party, Asif Mahmud said, "I have not thought about it yet. I'm reviewing some issues and everyone will know when the decision will be final."
The adviser said, "If we hold elections without reforms and hand over power to any party, it will be difficult for them to run the government."