Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed on Saturday said the Awami League, whose activities have been banned by the government, will never again be allowed to engage in politics in Bangladesh and that legal proceedings against the party will begin soon.

Speaking at the ongoing July National Conference at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Agargaon, the minister said the Awami League had suffered its “political death” and claimed its “burial took place in Delhi.”

“The Awami League will no longer be able to do politics in Bangladesh. The trial of the party as an organisation will begin soon,” he said.

Recalling the July movement, Salahuddin said leaders spent many sleepless nights organising the movement in consultation with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

“We successfully organised the movement under a non-political identity through discussions with Tarique Rahman. This is what happened behind the scenes,” he said.

The home minister called on all political forces to remain united in rebuilding the country, saying the nation has high expectations for the future. Acknowledging the country’s economic challenges, he urged people to remain patient, adding that the government is implementing its plans to address the situation.

He also alleged that fugitive leaders and activists of the Awami League are conspiring against democratic political parties while staying abroad.

Salahuddin further warned against exploiting the spirit of the July movement for personal gain.

“No one should do business with the spirit of July. Selling the spirit of the movement is not good, and those who do so will face the judgment of the people,” he said.

The programme was organised by the central committees of “July 24 Martyred Families” and “Amra July Joddha (We Are July Fighters).”

Injured participants of the July movement and family members of those killed attended the event.

The conference was chaired by State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraq Hossain and attended by Tarique as the chief guest. Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher Sumon, Law Minister Asaduzzaman, and Chief Whip of Parliament Nurul Islam Moni also addressed the programme as special guests.