Awami League will not be forgiven without admitting mistakes: Shafiqul Alam

Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to Bangladesh's Chief Adviser, stated that the people will not forgive the Awami League unless it acknowledges its past errors.

He made these remarks while speaking to reporters after visiting the Nijnanduali Nitai Gaurpal Seba Ashram in Magura's Notun Bazar area on Friday morning.

Alam expressed optimism about the upcoming elections, saying a fair and festive vote would take place nationwide, with candidates from various political parties actively campaigning in villages and cities.

However, he noted that the Awami League has effectively disqualified itself from participation.

Criticising the party for failing to admit its mistakes over the past 17 months, Alam emphasised that self-criticism and accountability are vital for political survival.

"There is no alternative to confessing past wrongs to rebuild public trust," he said, adding that the Awami League has yet to do so.

He further warned that a party responsible for armed attacks on ordinary citizens and students cannot engage in politics. "No one will allow them that opportunity. If the Awami League does not admit its mistakes, the people will not forgive it," Alam asserted.

Accusing the Awami League of establishing fascism in Bangladesh and undermining the spirit of independence by eroding people's rights, he claimed the previous government had empowered its affiliated organisations, such as Jubo League and Chhatra League, by placing members in key positions within the police and national security agencies.

Alam stated that the party had systematically oppressed the populace.

He vowed that leaders including Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal would face trial, and efforts would be made to extradite them to Bangladesh for justice.

Present during the visit were Assistant Commissioner Aminul Islam, Magura Sadar Police Station Officer-in-Charge Ashikur Rahman, Nitai Gaur Sebashram General Secretary Tarun Bhowmik, and local residents.