Why are Awami League Workers Protesting Against the Yunus Government?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Awami League protests demand Yunus's resignation.
- Claims of democratic erosion under Yunus government.
- Activists highlight struggles of ordinary citizens.
- Concerns over human rights abuses in custody.
- Protests signify a potential revolution.
Dhaka, June 16 (NationPress) Awami League activists staged a massive protest demanding the immediate resignation of “illegitimate fascist occupier Muhammad Yunus”, the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh's interim government. The rally, held in Dhaka, called for an end to the “sham trial” against former Prime Minister and party leader Sheikh Hasina.
Videos circulating on the party's social media showcased enthusiastic activists marching through Dhaka, holding banners proclaiming “Hasina will return” and “We reject the illegal International Court of Tribunal of Bangladesh”.
According to the Awami League, it has become evident that the Yunus government has undermined democracy, devastated the economy, terminated education, and manipulated the judiciary. The party claims to be the sole representative of the people during these challenging times.
“Awami League stands for the spirit of the freedom struggle, champions secularism, and is the only party capable of advancing the nation’s development. Others are merely engaged in treasonous schemes. The battle has commenced, and there is no retreat. Today’s demonstration marks the inception of a revolution. The entire nation is watching. Each Awami League procession ignites a spark that may eventually transform into a blazing fire. Our struggle will persist until the illegal government is ousted nationwide,” they added.
The party emphasized that the citizens of Bangladesh reject the “misrule of robbers and corrupt Yunus government”. The protest signaled a powerful message: “Awami League embodies the strength to rescue the country.”
The Awami League has reported that the common populace has been suffering under the Yunus-led interim government since it assumed power in August 2024.
“I fear driving my rickshaw under Yunus’s rule. Police detain us and demand bribes. Had Awami League been in power, I would not have gone hungry,” recounted a rickshaw driver in a video shared by the party, illustrating the struggles faced by ordinary citizens under the Yunus administration.
On Sunday, the Awami League vehemently condemned the systematic oppression and murder of its leaders and activists within prisons throughout Bangladesh.
They expressed alarm and outrage at the ongoing horrific acts of torture and violence perpetrated by the “illegal, fascist Yunus regime” against their members, both incarcerated and across the nation.
“There appears to be no form of repression that the Yunus-led government, supported by militant factions, refrains from employing. They are indeed creating new and brutal methods of political persecution. Even in prisons, Awami League members are subjected to inhumane torture. The number of deaths in custody has been rising steadily, as detainees are tortured to death without due process under false, politically motivated allegations,” stated the Awami League.
“Despite being unlawfully detained, we hoped our people would at least be shielded from physical harm in custody. Unfortunately, that hope has turned into horror. To date, at least 25 Awami League leaders and activists have died under suspicious and brutal conditions in prison custody,” they concluded.