Zakir Hossain / Dhaka
In a dramatic political move, Bangladesh’s interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus has officially banned all activities of the Awami League (AL), the country’s oldest and once-dominant political party, citing national security under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The ban, confirmed by a gazette notification on Monday (May 12), follows days of protests led by the National Citizen Party (NCP) and student leaders of the 2024 mass uprising. The Council of Advisers approved the decision Saturday night, barring even the party’s online presence.
The AL, led by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now in exile in India, issued a strongly worded statement rejecting the move: “The people of Bangladesh are shocked and outraged by the illegal and unconstitutional occupying fascist Yunus government’s announcement… We reject this decision with hatred and strongly condemn and protest against it.”
Calling the ban a “black day” in history, the AL said, “The activities of the party under whose leadership Bangladesh became independent have been banned by an undemocratic fascist regime with no mandate.” It added, “Banning the Awami League means banishing the spirit and fundamentals of the Liberation War and giving vent to the aggression of anti-liberationists.” The party accused the interim government of paving the way for extremist groups: “This proves that the fascist Yunus government wants to turn Bangladesh into a fertile ground for anti-independence evil forces.”
Defending its decision, the interim government cited public demand and the need to protect national security, leaders of the July Movement, and witnesses of the International Crimes Tribunal. The cabinet also amended the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973, allowing prosecution of political parties for genocide and crimes against humanity. The Anti-Terrorism Act was also revised to ban any form of support—including statements or social media—for blacklisted entities.
“The government, based on reasonable grounds, may now list a person or entity involved in terrorist activities through an official gazette,” the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing stated. President Mohammed Shahabuddin promulgated the ordinance Sunday night, barring any public discourse in favour of the AL. With top leaders reportedly in hiding and former President Abdul Hamid fleeing to Bangkok, the AL vowed to defy the ban: “Awami League will continue its activities properly, ignoring this decision of the fascist Yunus government.”
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam claimed the move has nationwide support: “Have you seen any protests?” He also announced the government would ask the UN for an independent review of Bangladesh’s media under Hasina’s rule, accusing journalists of “legitimising killings by labelling innocent people as militants.”