Bangladesh’s interim government bans activities of Awami League party

Bangladesh’s interim government has banned all activities of the former ruling Awami League party, led by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, following a mass uprising last year, Arab News reported.

The ban, announced by law affairs adviser Asif Nazrul, was imposed under the Anti-Terrorism Act and will remain until a special tribunal completes trials related to the deaths of hundreds of students and protesters during the July-August 2024 anti-government protests.

The decision aims to protect national security, activists of the July movement, and witnesses involved in the tribunal proceedings. The Cabinet, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, also expanded the scope for prosecuting political parties involved in killings during the protests.

Sheikh Hasina, accused of murder in multiple cases, has been in exile in India since August 2024 after protesters stormed her residence. The United Nations reported that up to 1,400 people may have died during the protests. The ban followed large demonstrations in Dhaka demanding the Awami League’s prohibition. The interim government’s move has been welcomed by some opposition student leaders.