Bangladesh’s former ruling party has criticised the interim government for creating division and undermining democratic principles. The government announced it would ban all Awami League activities under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
On Sunday, the Awami League accused the government of “fueling division” and disregarding “democratic norms.” The ban means the Awami League can no longer operate online or offline.
The government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus after the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, imposed the ban late on Saturday. The ban will remain until a special tribunal concludes its trial of the party and its leaders for their role in the deaths of hundreds of students and protesters during last year’s anti-government protests in July and August.
Asif Nazrul, the law affairs adviser, confirmed that the tribunal will determine when the ban ends.
Awami league responds to the ban
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, had opposed the ban. The BNP had argued that banning the Awami League would harm the country’s political landscape.
The ban will formally take effect on Monday.
The Awami League responded by condemning the decision. Its official account on X stated: “People no longer feel safe under Yunus.” The party criticised the ban, claiming it deepens division, weakens democratic principles, and stifles dissent. The Awami League also labelled the tribunal a tool for undemocratic actions.
The party also condemned the two-day protests, which included members of a new political party formed by students and Islamists. These protests called for the Awami League’s ban, which the party described as “state-sponsored.”
Protesters had issued an ultimatum demanding the government enforce the ban on the Awami League by Saturday night.
Bangladesh’s political landscape faces uncertainty
Sheikh Hasina, now in exile in India since August 5, and several senior members of her party face accusations of involvement in the deaths of protesters after Hasina’s removal.
A report by the United Nations Human Rights Office in February estimated that up to 1,400 people were killed during the three weeks of anti-Hasina protests. The UN urged the interim government to avoid bans on political parties, as they could harm the country’s multi-party democracy and disenfranchise many Bangladeshi citizens.
The student-led protests ultimately ended Hasina’s 15-year rule.
Bangladesh’s political situation is now at a crossroads. The BNP demands elections in December and seeks a clear roadmap from the interim government. The government has stated that elections could occur in December or June next year, depending on its progress with reforms.
