Home Minister and BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has issued a clear warning that if necessary, the number of International Crimes Tribunals (ICT) will be increased to bring those involved in the July genocide and crimes against humanity to justice, ensuring that every killer is prosecuted.
He stated that the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is currently operational and will remain active in the future. Mentioning that the number of tribunals will be expanded if needed, he assured that the trial for every murder would be ensured, Insha’Allah.
The minister made these statements as the chief guest during a protest rally organized at the Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka Field in Dholaikhal, Dhaka, on Saturday (September 26). The rally was organized by the Dhaka-6 constituency (covering Surtapur, Wari, Gendaria, and Kotwali wards) to “protest against ill attempts to destabilize the country through planned terrorism.”
Issuing a stern warning at the rally, the Home Minister emphasized that those who committed genocide in this country and fired bullets into the chests of ordinary people would receive no forgiveness. Every individual involved in enforced disappearances and murders over the past 17 years, as well as those who committed crimes against humanity in Bangladesh, will be brought under the purview of law.
Criticizing the previous regime, he claimed that the past government systematically destroyed democracy without votes. Noting that the people of this country fell victim to the most brutal killings since independence, he asserted that the murderer forces and fascist elements will never be allowed to practice politics on the soil of Bangladesh again.
Referring to Sheikh Hasina’s activity on social media and talks of her return in December, Salahuddin Ahmed said that various leaders and activists of the fallen Awami League are joining social media, holding regular Zoom meetings, and attempting to rally their cadres. He added that the government wants Sheikh Hasina to return to the country and face justice.
He further informed that an official request has been conveyed to India on behalf of the Bangladesh government to extradite Sheikh Hasina and her associates, though no response has been received yet. Noting that their trials have been conducted domestically, he stated that if they seek the opportunity to appeal, it will be granted, ensuring a fair judicial process.
Strongly criticizing the opposition’s political agitation, the Home Minister remarked that the current government has been in office for only seven months. Typically, calls for intense street movements occur after a government completes four years in office. He questioned what major failure occurred in just seven months that prompted the opposition to declare a long march against the government.
He further pointed out that despite calls from the government inviting everyone to participate in the Constitution Reform Commission, the opposition chose to hit the streets instead of participating. Consequently, he urged the public to deeply reflect on their political motives.
Reiterating the political commitment of the BNP, the Home Minister stated that the party is committed to maintaining political stability, consolidating democracy, and introducing constitutional reforms. He affirmed that necessary amendments will be made to the constitution to ensure that fascism and autocracy can never rise again in the country.
Regarding the present economic situation and the rise in fuel prices, he noted that while there are continuous complaints about price hikes of essential commodities and fuel, critics fail to mention how significantly fuel prices have surged globally. He mentioned that in neighboring countries and across various parts of the world, oil prices have doubled or even tripled compared to Bangladesh. However, he pledged on behalf of the government that if fuel prices decrease in the international market, domestic prices will be adjusted downward accordingly.
Salahuddin Ahmed called upon all citizens to remain united in order to safeguard democracy, national independence, and sovereignty, as well as to sustain the democratic journey. He concluded that the same unity displayed on the streets by the public to bring down fascism must be maintained in the future.
The protest rally was presided over by State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraque Hossain. Among others present at the event were BNP Central Committee Assistant Secretary for Social Welfare Kazi Abul Bashar, Dhaka Metropolitan South BNP Member Secretary Tanveer Ahmed Robin, Joint Conveners Abdus Sattar and Saidur Rahman Mintu, alongside leaders and activists from all levels of the BNP and its associate organizations.
