Govt outlaws Awami League activities

The interim government of Bangladesh has officially banned all activities of the Awami League (AL) under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) concludes its trials against the party and its leaders.

This decision was announced during a special session of the Advisory Council on Saturday night, according to local media.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul stated that the amendment to the ICT Act enables the tribunal to prosecute political parties, their affiliates, and supporters.

Consequently, all AL operations, including those in cyberspace, are suspended to safeguard national security, sovereignty, and the safety of July Movement activists, plaintiffs, and witnesses involved in the tribunal proceedings.

The government plans to issue the necessary circulars on the next working day to formalise this ban.

Additionally, the Advisory Council resolved to finalise and publish the July Declaration within the next 30 working days.

This move follows escalating demands from civil society and political groups, notably the National Citizen Party (NCP), which has been advocating for a ban on the AL due to alleged involvement in mass killings during the July uprising.

This development marks a significant shift in Bangladesh's political landscape, as the AL, a major political party, faces a comprehensive ban pending the outcome of the ICT trials.