World

Bangladesh : Awami League calls for general strike, blockade

Bangladesh’s Awami League has announced a series of political programs, including a general strike and a nationwide blockade, in protest against what it describes as “false cases” against Sheikh Hasina and the ongoing persecution of religious minorities in the country.

The party issued a statement late on Tuesday outlining its upcoming protest schedule and demands, asserting that stricter measures would follow if authorities attempted to obstruct their activities.

According to the party’s official statement, the programs will be carried out as follows: from Saturday, February 1, to Wednesday, February 5, party members will distribute leaflets; on Thursday, February 6, a protest march and rally will be held; a second protest rally is scheduled for Monday, February 10; on Sunday, February 16, the party will conduct a blockade; and on Tuesday, February 18, a nationwide morning-to-evening hartal (general strike) will take place.

The Awami League has warned that, “if there is any kind of obstruction in these programs to realise the political and democratic rights of the people of the country, more strict programs will be announced.”

The party’s protests are primarily focused on demanding the withdrawal of legal cases against Sheikh Hasina, including what it calls a “false murder case” filed against the former prime minister. The statement also calls for the dismissal of other cases in the “illegal and illegal ICT Tribunal” and an end to what the party describes as a “farcical trial.”

Additionally, the Awami League has framed its movement as a response to the violence and persecution of religious minorities in Bangladesh, specifically referencing “attacks and massacres of religious minorities including Hindu-Buddhist-Christians and attacks and vandalism of various religious shrines.”

The party has further demanded that the government “stop killings” and ensure the protection of all citizens.

This marks the Awami League’s first major street mobilisation since the ouster of Sheikh Hasina on August 5. However, the party faces significant logistical and political challenges in executing these protests, as many of its leaders and workers are currently in hiding due to fears of legal action and targeted attacks.

With a large number of its members on the run, the scale and effectiveness of the announced demonstrations remain uncertain.

ANI

Ani service

Recent Posts

India, Myanmar explore trade opportunities in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, petroleum

India and Myanmar on February 14, discussed possibilities in areas of pharmaceuticals, pulses & beans,…

6 hours ago

Baloch National Movement’s protest in Germany exposes Pakistan’s genocide, human rights abuses in Balochistan

The Baloch National Movement (BNM) Germany Chapter, North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) unit, organised a protest at…

6 hours ago

China’s brutal assault on Tibetan Buddhism sees over 1,000 monks expelled from Larung Gar Academy

Chinese authorities have recently dealt a blow to the major hub of Tibetan Buddhist learning…

6 hours ago

Japan, Singapore to sign MoUs with Assam at Advantage Assam 2.0: CM Sarma

The Assam government will sign two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Japan and Singapore during…

10 hours ago

Navika Sagar Parikrama II: Sailing vessel INSV Tarini crosses Cape Horn located at southern tip of South America

In a historical feat, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A, aboard INSV…

11 hours ago

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Sybiha thanks EAM Jaishankar for “meaningful meeting,” relies on India’s strong global voice

Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andry Sybiha on Friday expressed gratitude to External Affairs Minister…

13 hours ago