No fascist party can exist in a democratic system: Dr Yunus

The Awami League, a political party headed by the ousted tyrannical Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, exhibited 'all the characteristics of fascism'. In the short run, definitely Awami League doesn't have a place in Bangladesh.

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the interim government, made the above hard line remarks in a recent interview with The Financial Times. Dr. Muhammad Yunus said, "The interim government would not immediately seek the extradition of Sheikh Hasina from India, which may avoid temporarily escalating diplomatic tensions between Bangladesh and its big neighbor. They controlled the people, the machinery, and the institutions to enhance their interest. No fascist party should be in existence in a democratic system."

He further said, "Awami League's fate would not be decided by the interim administration as it's not a political government. Any decision on whether Awami League could participate in future elections or not would be decided by the consensus of political parties themselves."

On the contrary, Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, a former MP and organizing secretary for Awami League, said, "The party is ready at any time to join the election."

Dr. Muhammad Yunus expressed, "he has no intention of joining politics or forming a political party. Our job is to get things settled and get a new reform agenda done. When the election preparation is done, we will consult with political parties."

In addition, Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus said, "his government would seek Sheikh Hasina's return, but only after a verdict was reached by a domestic criminal tribunal that issued arrest warrants against her and 45 others this month."

Political rivals and human rights groups have accused the Awami League of rigging recent elections, carrying out extrajudicial killings, and capturing state institutions during Sheikh Hasina regime.

Also, the health ministry said, "Around 800 people including protesters, bystanders and police were killed in the unrest."

Sajeeb Wazed Joy, son of Sheikh Hasina, has said that allegations on his mother holding her responsible for violence against protesters were false and she was ready to face any charges because she did nothing illegal.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has voiced concern about the safety of Bangladesh's minority Hindus since the interim government took oath on 8 August 2024.

In contrast, Dr. Muhammad Yunus contradicted saying, "Some incidents of violence against Hindus and a very small number of fatalities had occurred. But they were targeted for their Awami League affiliations, not their religion. Most of the Hindus supported the Awami League during the July Revolution."According to Dr. Muhammad Yunus, most of the allegations about attacks on religious minorities were exaggerated.