Dhaka, Nov 10 (V7N) – Three months after the student-led uprising that brought down the Awami League government, former State Minister Sohel Taj has sharply criticized the party's new "Restoration of Democracy in Bangladesh" campaign, labeling it as a "provocation" and a means for the party to once again exploit the country. Taj made these remarks in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Monday afternoon.

In his post, Sohel Taj, son of the late Tajuddin Ahmed, a revered figure in Bangladesh's liberation movement, alleged that "a family and their associates" have systematically undermined the country through a range of serious actions. He accused the Awami League of committing atrocities during the July-August mass uprising, including killings, disappearances, human rights abuses, and severe oppression of dissent. He further charged the party with stifling democratic processes, engaging in corruption on a massive scale, and illegally transferring billions abroad.

Sohel Taj claimed that despite fleeing the country, these individuals continue to manipulate the political scene, using their wealth to influence leaders and activists within Bangladesh from afar. He contended that they are "inciting innocent leaders and activists" with the intent of regaining power and influence, describing them as "watching the game from the mountains of smuggled money."

Taj also directly addressed a faction of Awami League supporters, urging them to rethink their allegiance. He warned that the current leadership has deviated from the party’s founding principles, eroding the values and legacy established by his father and other leaders of the liberation struggle. He appealed to party loyalists to recognize the alleged exploitation and manipulative tactics employed by the current leadership.

Sohel Taj’s remarks come amidst ongoing national debates about the future direction of Bangladeshi politics and democracy following the recent fall of the Awami League government. His comments have sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many discussing the allegations of corruption and power manipulation that have emerged in recent months.

Political analysts believe Taj's statements could resonate strongly with segments of the population critical of the Awami League's recent actions, further intensifying scrutiny on the party as it seeks to rebuild in the wake of the recent uprising.

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