QuickPost News | March 22, 2025 | Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dhaka—Despite a government ban on gatherings in Shahbagh, the National Citizen Party (NCP) held a massive rally today at 3:30 PM in front of the National Museum, defying restrictions. The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has struggled to control the area as NCP leaders and students demanded an immediate ban on the Awami League (AL) and trials for the mass killings during the July uprising.

Hasnat Abdullah, NCP’s Chief Organiser (Southern Region), addressed the crowd, stating, “Awami League was ousted following the July mass uprising. There is no example in the world that any political party ousted by an uprising was later given an opportunity to participate in the election.” He stressed that AL should not be allowed to return to politics after its role in the violent crackdown that killed over 800 people.

Hasnat also criticized the security forces, particularly the military, saying, “Only politicians will control the politics in the post-July uprising of Bangladesh. We want to clearly say that your work is in the cantonment. You stay in the cantonment. We respect and acknowledge your contribution to protecting the sovereignty of the country.”

NCP Joint Convener Mahin Sarker echoed these demands, calling for a thorough investigation into the July uprising killings and a complete ban on AL. Other NCP leaders demanded the freezing of bank accounts of AL leaders and their associates to prevent any financial means for a political comeback.

Government’s Stance vs. Student Demands

The interim government had banned gatherings in Shahbagh due to recent unrest, but the NCP rally went ahead, highlighting the government’s inability to enforce control in the area. On March 20, Yunus told the International Crisis Group that the interim government has no plans to ban AL, though individuals accused of crimes would face trials. This stance has sparked backlash from students and NCP leaders, who argue that allowing AL to continue as a political entity undermines the sacrifices of the July uprising.

Students across Bangladesh, including at Dhaka University, Rajshahi University, and Jagannath University, have been protesting since March 21, demanding AL’s ban and justice for the uprising victims. The NCP rally in Shahbagh follows similar protests in Brahmanbaria, Savar, and university campuses, where activists have accused the government of failing to deliver justice.

Political Tensions and Broader Implications

The NCP’s demands reflect a broader sentiment among Bangladeshi youth, who view AL’s 15-year rule under Sheikh Hasina as marked by human rights abuses, electoral fraud, and violent suppression. However, the interim government’s refusal to ban AL has drawn support from other parties like the BNP, which sees no issue with AL’s return under “clean leadership.” Meanwhile, Jamaat-e-Islami and student groups align with NCP, warning that AL’s rehabilitation could lead to civil conflict.

As Bangladesh approaches elections, now rescheduled between December 2025 and March 2026, the interim government faces a delicate balancing act. Yunus’s administration must address calls for justice while maintaining political stability, amid allegations of military interference and external influence. The defiance in Shahbagh signals growing unrest, with students and NCP leaders vowing to continue protests until their demands are met.

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