Yunus regime's ban on Hasina's Awami League ‘concerning', says MEA; calls for polls in Bangladesh
The comments come days after the Bangladesh interim government Saturday announced a sweeping ban on all activities of the Awami League—including its online presence—under a revised anti-terrorism Act. The ban is supposed to remain in place until the International Crimes Tribunal concludes its trial of the party and its senior leadership.
'The ban on the Awami League without due process is a concerning development. As a democracy, India is naturally concerned about curtailed democratic freedoms and shrinking political space. We strongly support the early holding of free, fair, and inclusive elections in Bangladesh,' Randhir Jaiswal, the official MEA spokesperson, said at the weekly press briefing.
New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Tuesday expressed concerns over the Muhammad Yunus regime's decision to ban the Awami League, calling it a 'concerning development' and urging a swift return to democratic norms.
The decision followed a Saturday late-night meeting of the 16-member advisory council in Bangladesh, which also resolved to publish the 'July Declaration' within the next 30 working days. According to a statement by the Muhammad Yunus-led government, the ban aims to 'protect the security and sovereignty of the country' and ensure the safety of leaders and activists involved in the July uprising, as well as witnesses and plaintiffs participating in the related tribunal processes.
The move comes amid mounting pressure from the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP), which has been leading widespread demonstrations across Dhaka and other cities, demanding that the Awami League be outlawed and its leaders prosecuted for their role in suppressing the July 2024 uprising.
The Bangladesh government has amended the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973, established by ousted ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, empowering the tribunal to punish political parties and affiliated organisations. Earlier in October 2024, the Awami League student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League, was banned.
(Edited by Madhurita Goswami)
Also Read: Hasina calls Yunus a 'mobster', vows to return to Bangladesh
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