BNP National Standing Committee member Professor Dr AZM Zahid Hossain has said that the Awami League must be brought to justice for committing repression, enforced disappearances, killings, and vote rigging.

Speaking as the chief guest at a program organized by the Azhar-Shafique Foundation at the National Press Club on Wednesday, he said those responsible for such crimes  from the former prime minister to senior party leaders, activists, and overzealous government officials  must all face the law.

Zahid stressed that BNP does not believe in banning political parties through government or court decisions. “Only the people have the authority to decide who will remain in politics and who will not,” he noted.

He further said that ensuring justice for those who created a “culture of impunity” through enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture cells is BNP’s prime objective.

Referring to election irregularities, he added: “It’s not only about 1971; those who stole the people’s vote at night over the past 15 years must also repent and seek unconditional forgiveness from the nation. It is up to the people to forgive them or not.”

Zahid dismissed fears of the Awami League returning to power, saying democratic forces in the country are united and not intimidated.

Taking a swipe at Sheikh Hasina, he remarked: “If she were truly a politician, she would have faced politics in the field instead of fleeing on August 5. Her escape reflects a weakness of mind, born out of the injustice she herself committed.”

MN/