Sun Mar 23 14:13:03 UTC 2025: ## Bangladesh Army Rejects Student Party’s Claims of Awami League Rehabilitation Plot

**DHAKA, Bangladesh (March 23, 2025)** — The Bangladesh Army vehemently denied allegations by the newly formed National Citizen Party (NCP) that the military is plotting to reinstate the Awami League, the party of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The Army termed the accusations “hilarious” and “an immature array of stories” in a statement released Sunday.

The NCP, a student-led party formed last month with suspected backing from Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, staged protests on Saturday at Dhaka University, claiming a military-backed plan to rehabilitate a “refined” Awami League. NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah, a key figure in last year’s protests that ousted Hasina, alleged a conspiracy involving India. Protesters chanted slogans against the Army chief and demanded the trial and execution of Hasina and her associates.

While acknowledging a meeting between Army chief General Waker Uz Zaman and two NCP leaders on March 11th, the Army insisted the meeting was a courtesy call, initiated by the NCP leaders, and denied any political maneuvering.

The statement comes amidst rising tensions following the NCP’s accusations of military political interference. The Army maintained a calm stance during Saturday’s protests. However, several civil society figures and ex-military officers publicly criticized the NCP’s comments.

Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024 following the uprising, faces accusations of mass murder and crimes against humanity. Her Awami League’s future remains uncertain, with Chief Advisor Yunus stating that while the party itself wouldn’t be banned, individuals facing criminal charges will be prosecuted domestically and potentially referred to the International Criminal Court. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) expressed no objection to the Awami League’s potential return under new leadership. The situation continues to be volatile as the nation grapples with the aftermath of the political upheaval.

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