United Nations: Supporters of the Awami League staged a protest outside the United Nations headquarters on Monday, calling for the lifting of the ban on their party in Bangladesh and urging the international body to ensure democracy is restored. Siddique Rahman, president of the USA Awami League, accused the government of Muhammad Yunus of illegitimacy, claiming it has banned the legally elected Awami League. He emphasized that for elections to be fair and inclusive, the ban must be lifted, and the party should be allowed to participate.
Rahman criticized Yunus, who received the Nobel Prize, labeling him a dictator leading an unelected regime that ousted the legitimate government of Sheikh Hasina. Around 75 supporters from groups including the Committee for Democratic Bangladesh, Congress of Bangladeshi Americans, and the America Bangladesh Community Development Initiative joined the demonstration.
During the protest, speakers urged the US to demand the restoration of democracy in Bangladesh. The interim government, led by Yunus, which came into power amidst protests against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, banned the Awami League under the Anti-terrorism Act. Additionally, last week, the Bangladesh Election Commission suspended the party’s registration, preventing it from contesting upcoming elections. No election date has yet been announced.
Organiser Prodip Kar said a memorandum outlining their demands was submitted to the UN. He asserted that Sheikh Hasina is the legitimate prime minister and accused Yunus of seizing power with the support of Jamaat-e-Islami and terrorists.