Bangladesh bans Awami League activities over national security concerns

(Web Desk): The interim government of Bangladesh has imposed a ban on all activities of the Awami League, the political party of ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, under the country's anti-terrorism law, citing national security concerns.

According to a report by Reuters, the decision was announced on Saturday evening following student-led protests under the National Citizens' Party, which emerged after protests against Hasina Wazed last year.

Many opposition parties, including the Jamaat-e-Islami and other Islamic and right-wing groups, joined the protests demanding that the Awami League be declared a terrorist organization.

In a statement, the government said the ban on the Awami League would remain in place until the International Criminal Court (ICC) makes a ruling on the deaths of protesters.

The government also announced amendments to the ICT Act, which will allow courts to prosecute not only individuals but also political parties and organizations. This amendment paves the way for the prosecution of the Awami League as a party concerning alleged crimes during its tenure in power.

The Awami League, established in 1949, declared the decision illegal, stating on its official Facebook page that all decisions made by the "illegal government" were also illegal.

In recent months, the country has faced growing tension and protests. As a result of the protests, Hasina Wazed fled to India in August, and an interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus took power.

Muhammad Yunus vowed to implement reforms and stated that elections could be delayed until 2026.

The unrest began in July 2024 with student protests against quotas for public sector jobs but quickly escalated into one of the deadliest periods of political violence in Bangladesh's history.

In October, the government banned the Awami League’s student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League, and declared it a "terrorist organization" due to its role in violent attacks on protesters.