BNP senior leader Mirza Abbas on Monday said the deposed Awami League will not be able to stage a comeback in Bangladesh politics if BNP and Jamaat and other parties remain united.
Speaking at a memorial meeting, he also said BNP is willing to rebuild the country together with its longstanding ally, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, in the days ahead.
"We ousted the Awami League in the past… let’s strive to remain united at all times and work together to rebuild this country beautifully," the BNP leader said.
Abbas made the remarks during a discussion organised by the Dhaka south city unit of Jamaat at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh, in memory of those killed on that day in 2006 with oars and sticks.
Abbas, a BNP standing committee member, recalled the severe repression and suppression faced by opposition leaders and workers during the Awami League rule.
“We endured many pains, but now we feel relieved that we reaped the results of our suffering and struggle on August 5," Abbas said.
He also said the nation achieved a Bangladesh without Hasina on August 5, after a long struggle and immense sacrifices over 17 years.
“We now desire a Bangladesh without the Awami League... the Awami League and decent people, the Awami League and democracy cannot coexist. The Awami League is actually devil's friend,” he mentioned.
The BNP leader said that although the autocratic ruler Sheikh Hasina has fled the country to India, her associates remain here. "There’s no reason to be happy about the ousting of the Awami League, as their cohorts and supporters are still in the same positions throughout Bangladesh's politics, culture, Secretariat, police and BGB."
He emphasised that fully reestablishing democracy in Bangladesh will not be possible while Hasina's associates hold various positions, as they continue to devise different plots.
The BNP leader urged all democratic parties to unite and avoid making conflicting remarks to thwart plots of Hasina’s associates and the neighbouring country, India. "Otherwise, our neighbour will continue to manipulate us, and we can't allow that to happen in any way."
On behalf of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, he extended greetings to the leaders and activists of Jamaat-e-Islami.
Abbas said those who killed people with oars and sticks in 2006 must be brought to justice. "If the trial for the murder of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman can be held after 40 years, the trial for these killings can be conducted even after 80 years."
He also prayed for salvation of the departed souls of Jamaat leaders, including Moulana Motiur Rahman Nizami, who, he said, were unjustly executed. "Those responsible for their deaths, including judges, police, and magistrates, should also be held accountable."
