Government Issues Gazette Notification Citing Crimes Against Humanity Charges
Dhaka/New Delhi, May 12 — In a dramatic political development, Bangladesh on Monday officially banned all activities of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations under a newly revised anti-terrorism law. The decision, formalised through a gazette notification by the Home Ministry, comes amid ongoing trials of party leaders accused of crimes against humanity during last year’s anti-government protests.Home Adviser Lt Gen (Retd.) Jahangir Alam confirmed the ban during a press briefing, stating that the notification includes all front, associate, and brotherly organisations linked to the Awami League.
Ban Tied to Pending War Crimes Tribunal
A Home Ministry official explained that the prohibition was issued under Section 18 of the newly amended Anti-Terrorism Act, 2025, which allows the government to declare any entity or organisation a terrorist group if reasonable grounds of involvement in terrorism are found. This power was absent in the original 2009 version of the law.The Awami League’s ban will remain in force until the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh (ICT-BD) completes the trial of its leaders and activists. These individuals face charges related to the deaths of hundreds during large-scale protests last year led by a student coalition. The unrest eventually led to the ousting of Sheikh Hasina’s 16-year-long tenure as Prime Minister on August 5.
Digital and Public Activity Also Prohibited
On Saturday, the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus extended the ban to include digital spaces, warning that the prohibition applies to both physical and cyberspace activities. A day later, the Awami League publicly rejected the government’s directive, asserting its right to continue operations "in an appropriate manner".Further tightening the noose, President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Sunday night promulgated an ordinance amending the Anti-Terrorism Act. The ordinance now prohibits any publicity, including press releases, social media posts, or public meetings in support of individuals or organisations charged under the Act.
The revised legal language replaces previous terms like “listed individuals or banned entities” with a broader definition—“any individual or entity against whom action has been taken under sub-section (1) of Section 18”—effectively expanding the government’s power to silence dissent.
Historic Party Faces Unprecedented Legal Action
Founded in 1949, the Awami League is one of Bangladesh’s oldest political parties. It spearheaded the autonomy movement in East Pakistan and later led the country’s Liberation War in 1971. Monday's unprecedented legal action marks a significant moment in the nation's political history, with implications for democratic participation and free speech.The ongoing crackdown, legal amendments, and the tribunal proceedings are being closely watched both domestically and internationally, as Bangladesh undergoes a volatile period of political transition.