Protest in Washington Against Ban on Awami League, Memorandum Submitted to US Secretary of State

Washington, D.C.: Leaders and activists of the United States Awami League and its affiliated organizations staged a large protest in the US capital Washington, D.C., opposing the reported parliamentary move to ban the Awami League in Bangladesh.

The demonstration was held on Thursday afternoon (local time) in front of the US State Department. Hundreds of activists gathered with banners and placards, chanting slogans condemning the decision, which they described as “undemocratic” and “politically motivated.”

At the end of the protest, a memorandum was handed over to a representative of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio by Dr. Siddiqur Rahman, President of the United States Awami League.

Speakers at the rally claimed that the ban was imposed through what they called an “unconstitutional and manipulated election-based parliament.” They said the move goes against fundamental human rights and multi-party democracy.

They also alleged that the current authorities are attempting to remove the Awami League from the political field by using legal mechanisms after failing to defeat them politically. Protesters urged the international community to take note of the situation, stating that “the people of Bangladesh do not accept this black law.”

The demonstration saw participation from leaders and activists of the US Awami League, various state and city units, as well as its affiliated bodies including the Jubo League, Swechchhasebak League, Mohila Awami League, and Chhatra League.

Participants reportedly traveled from different states including New York, New Jersey, Virginia, and Maryland to join the program.

After the rally, a delegation entered the State Department and formally submitted the memorandum to the office of the US Secretary of State.