No Return for Awami League, Says Home Minister; 316 Killed in Chittagong Hill Tracts Violence Over Five Years
Bangladesh’s Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has ruled out the possibility of the Awami League returning to power, describing the party as a fascist force. He also pledged firm action to prevent mob violence and maintain public order.
Speaking during the fourth session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad on Wednesday, November 11, the minister said the government would take decisive measures to ensure that no further incidents of mob formation occur.
Referring to arson attacks as a longstanding feature of the Awami League political practices, Salahuddin said law enforcement agencies would be permitted to take necessary measures to protect themselves against attacks by alleged terrorists.
He claimed that security forces had refrained from actions involving human rights violations despite what he described as violent activities by Awami League supporters in different parts of the country.
The minister alleged that the ousted political force was taking advantage of the government’s restraint, believing that it would not face enforced disappearance, extrajudicial killings or secret detention under the current administration.
316 killed in Chittagong Hill Tracts violence
Separately, the home minister informed Parliament that 316 people were killed in attacks by armed groups across the Chittagong Hill Tracts over the past five years.
Responding to a written question from Manikganj-1 lawmaker S.A. Jinnah Kabir, he said the fatalities included 308 civilians and eight members of the security forces.
Another 490 people were injured during the period, including 435 civilians and 55 security personnel, according to the figures presented in Parliament.
The minister also reported 97 attacks on security forces, 194 attacks targeting members of the Bengali community and 81 attacks against people from ethnic minority communities.
In addition, 297 people were abducted, while 471 incidents of forced extortion and 377 cases involving the use of illegal firearms were recorded over the five-year period.
Kabir had sought details of attacks, abductions, extortion, illegal arms use and assaults on military and law enforcement personnel in Rangamati, Khagrachhari and Bandarban, including the number of casualties recorded during the period.
Security operations continue
Outlining the government’s response, Salahuddin said the armed forces’ special security operation, known as Operation Uttaran, was continuing in the Chittagong Hill Tracts to maintain law and order and curb armed group activities.
He added that the Army, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), police and other security agencies had stepped up routine patrols and intelligence operations to prevent further violence and improve security across the region.
