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India Today
12-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Awami League ban: Did Yunus govt give in to street politics pressures?
In a dramatic turn of events, the interim government of Bangladesh has announced a sweeping ban on the activities of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League under the country's anti-terrorism law. This includes a prohibition on all political operations, online presence and organisational activity, pending the trial of the party and its leaders at the International Crimes Tribunal (Bangladesh) (ICT).A press release issued by the government late on May 9 declared: 'The council of advisers decided to ban all activities of the Awami League, including in the cyber-space, under the anti-terrorism law in the interests of security and sovereignty of the country, the security of the leaders and workers of the July [2024] uprising and the plaintiff and witnesses of the International Crimes Tribunal.'advertisementThe same statement also indicated that a new political framework, known as the 'July Declaration', would be finalised and published within the next 30 working unprecedented move follows closely on the heels of mounting public and political pressure, most notably from the National Citizen Party (NCP), whose southern chief organiser Hasnat Abdullah had issued an ultimatum earlier in the evening. Hasnat demanded that the interim government declare a concrete roadmap to outlaw the Awami League within the hour, threatening a mass mobilisation otherwise.'We want to clearly tell the advisers not to make any delay in banning the Awami League. We still have belief in you. You just ban Awami League,' Hasnat had warned during a charged public address. When no decision was forthcoming by the stipulated deadline, Hasnat announced the beginning of the 'March to Jamuna'—a reference to the official residence of chief advisor to the government Muhammad Yunus in Dhaka. Protesters immediately began mobilising from Shahbagh to the Rajashik Intersection, the latter cordoned off swiftly by law enforcement in anticipation of possible events culminated in an emergency meeting of the government's advisory council, chaired by law, justice and parliamentary affairs advisor Asif Nazrul. At around 10:55 pm, Nazrul confirmed the decision to impose a blanket ban on Awami League activities under the anti-terrorism law. The council also approved significant amendments to the country's International Crimes Tribunal Act (ICT Act), enabling the tribunal to prosecute not only individuals but also entire political parties and officially framed as a measure to 'protect the country's security and sovereignty', the swiftness of the government's response, coming mere hours after Hasnat's ultimatum, has triggered speculation about the level of influence the NCP—and its Islamist allies—now wield over state announcement follows a day-long sit-in and rally convened by the NCP and its affiliates. The sit-in, which began on the night of May 8 and extended until midday May 9, was followed by a four-and-a-half-hour-long rally near the Jamuna residence. A stage was erected at the Minto Road intersection, where a range of political actors—from NCP leaders to representatives of Islamist students' organisations and various platforms born out of the July 2024 movement—delivered fiery speeches demanding outlawing of the Awami are questioning whether the interim government, ostensibly independent and technocratic, has given in to populist pressure and allowed itself to be shepherded by the loudest voices on the street. The NCP, while not formally part of the interim authority, has positioned itself as a moral guardian of the post-July political order, frequently invoking nationalist rhetoric and capitalising on the anti-Awami League sentiment that erupted during the July 2024 raises troubling implications for the principle of neutrality in transitional governance. If the state's most consequential decisions—including a ban on a historic political party—are taken in the shadow of street ultimatums and choreographed rallies, it begs the question of who truly while the government has promised to release the 'July Declaration' within 30 days, the lack of transparency regarding its contents fuels concerns about a wholesale restructuring of political norms without due consultation or legal invocation of the anti-terrorism law also sets a potentially dangerous precedent. Critics warn that by applying such sweeping legal instruments against a mainstream political party—regardless of its alleged crimes—the state may be opening a proverbial Pandora's Box of selective justice, where political adversaries can be silenced through broad-brush is equally notable that the amendment to the ICT Act allows entire parties to be tried. This blurs the line between individual accountability and collective punishment, raising legal and ethical concerns about due sum, the decision to ban the Awami League marks a seismic shift in Bangladesh's political landscape, one that could either usher in a new era of accountability or set the stage for authoritarian overreach cloaked in the garb of transitional the government insists the move was necessary to 'ensure the safety of the leaders and activists of the July Movement' and safeguard the tribunal's process, the broader democratic cost of such a ban remains to be seen. Whether this action signals justice or retribution will likely depend on what comes next, and on whether the July Declaration offers a genuinely inclusive path to India Today Magazine
See - Sada Elbalad
11-05-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Bangladesh Bans Former PM Sheikh Hasina's Party
Israa Farhan Bangladesh's interim government has officially banned the Awami League, the political party of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as she faces serious charges of crimes against humanity related to the deadly suppression of protests in 2024. According to government officials, the ban was enacted under the country's anti-terrorism law and applies to all activities of the party, including its online presence. This move comes as Sheikh Hasina remains in self-imposed exile in India, with a warrant issued for her arrest by the new administration in Dhaka. The United Nations previously reported that approximately 1,400 protesters were killed in July 2024 during a violent crackdown led by Hasina's government against mass demonstrations that ultimately led to her ousting. The current caretaker administration, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, has pledged to uphold justice and accountability. Government legal adviser Asif Nazrul stated that the ban is intended to protect national sovereignty, ensure public safety, and safeguard prosecutors and witnesses involved in the ongoing legal proceedings. He also announced that the government had approved amendments to the International Crimes Tribunal Act, allowing for the prosecution of political parties and their affiliated entities. The Awami League has rejected the decision, labelling the ban as unlawful and politically motivated. The move follows a large demonstration held outside Prime Minister Yunus's residence, where thousands demanded the dissolution of the Awami League. Tensions escalated further after former Awami League leader Mohammad Abdul Hamid, also under investigation, successfully fled the country on Thursday. Airport officials confirmed that at least three police officers responsible for monitoring departure gates were dismissed for negligence in the wake of Hamid's departure. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers Lifestyle Pistachio and Raspberry Cheesecake Domes Recipe News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War
Express Tribune
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Bangladesh bans ousted Awami League
An officer puts an ink mark on the thumb of Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh and Chairperson of Bangladesh Awami League, at the Dhaka City College center during the 12th general election in Dhaka, Bangladesh, January 7, 2024. PHOTO: REUTERS Bangladesh's interim government on Saturday banned the Awami League, the political party of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, pending the outcome of a trial over its crackdown on mass protests that prompted her ouster last year. According to the United Nations, up to 1,400 protesters died in July 2024 when Hasina's government launched a brutal campaign to silence the opposition. Hasina remains in self-imposed exile in India and has defied an arrest warrant from Dhaka over charges of crimes against humanity. "It has been decided to ban the activities — including in cyberspace — of the Awami League under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the trial of the Awami League and its leaders ends," Asif Nazrul, a government advisor on law and justice, told reporters. Bangladesh's interim leader, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, has led an interim government since Hasina was overthrown. Nazrul said the decision was taken to ensure the country's "sovereignty and security" and "the security of the protesters" along with safeguarding "the plaintiffs and the witnesses of the tribunal." Yunus's administration also simultaneously approved an amendment to the country's International Crimes Tribunal Act, allowing authorities to prosecute political parties and their affiliated bodies. The Awami League rejected the administration's move, calling it "illegitimate." The ban comes a day after thousands of people rallied outside Yunus's residence, demanding a ban on Hasina's party. On Thursday, former Awami League leader Abdul Hamid — also under investigation — successfully left the country. At least three police officers responsible for overseeing airport arrivals and departures have been dismissed for negligence in the wake of Hamid's departure, officials said.
The Hindu
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Bangladesh bans activities of deposed PM Sheikh Hasina's Awami League party
Bangladesh has decided to ban all activities of the ruling Awami League headed by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, including its online presence, under the Anti-Terrorism Act until ongoing trials for alleged war crimes of the party and its leaders are concluded. The decision was made on Saturday (May 10, 2025) at a special meeting of the Advisory Council of the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh. The council also approved an amendment to the International Crimes Tribunal Act, allowing the tribunal to penalise political parties, their affiliated organisations, and supporters. According to the resolution adopted in the meeting, the ban is intended to safeguard national security and sovereignty, ensure the protection of leaders and activists of the July Movement, and guarantee the safety of plaintiffs and witnesses associated with the International Crimes Tribunal. An official notification regarding the ban will be issued on the next working day. The Advisory Council also resolved to finalise and publish the July Declaration within the next 30 working days. Ms. Hasina and many of her senior party colleagues have been accused of murder in many cases after her ouster last year. Ms. Hasina has been in exile in India since Aug. 5 as her official residence was stormed by protesters soon after she left the country. The United Nations human rights office in a report said in February that up to 1,400 people may have been killed during three weeks of anti-Hasina protest. Saturday night's dramatic decision came after thousands of protesters, including supporters of a newly formed political party by students, took to the streets in Dhaka and issued an ultimatum to ban the Awami League party by Saturday night. The members of the student wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami party also prominently took part in the protest. (with inputs from AP)
NDTV
11-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Sheikh Hasina's Awami League Banned By Bangladesh's Yunus Government
Hasina remains in self-imposed exile in India. Dhaka: Bangladesh's interim government on Saturday banned the Awami League, the political party of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, pending the outcome of a trial over its crackdown on mass protests that prompted her ouster last year. According to the United Nations, up to 1,400 protesters died in July 2024 when Hasina's government launched a brutal campaign to silence the opposition. Hasina remains in self-imposed exile in India and has defied an arrest warrant from Dhaka over charges of crimes against humanity. "It has been decided to ban the activities -- including in cyberspace -- of the Awami League under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the trial of the Awami League and its leaders ends," Asif Nazrul, a government advisor on law and justice, told reporters. Bangladesh's interim leader, Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, has led an interim government since Hasina was overthrown. Nazrul said the decision was taken to ensure the country's "sovereignty and security" and "the security of the protesters" along with safeguarding "the plaintiffs and the witnesses of the tribunal." Yunus's administration also simultaneously approved an amendment to the country's International Crimes Tribunal Act, allowing authorities to prosecute political parties and their affiliated bodies. The Awami League rejected the administration's move, calling it "illegitimate." The ban comes a day after thousands of people rallied outside Yunus's residence, demanding a ban on Hasina's party. On Thursday, former Awami League leader Abdul Hamid -- also under investigation -- successfully left the country. At least three police officers responsible for overseeing airport arrivals and departures have been dismissed for negligence in the wake of Hamid's departure, officials said. (Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
