Govt bans AL activities, expects no global backlash

The government does not anticipate any negative international response to its decision to ban all activities of the Awami League.

“There’s no one in the democratic world who would support such a brazenly violent, anti-democratic, and corrupt party,” said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Sunday.

The Council of Advisers, in a special meeting on Saturday night, decided to ban all activities of the Awami League—both offline and online—under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The ban will remain in effect until the International Crimes Tribunal completes the trial of the party and its leaders.

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul stated the decision was made to protect national security and sovereignty, and to ensure the safety of the July Movement’s activists, as well as plaintiffs and witnesses involved in the tribunal proceedings.

Shafiqul Alam pointed out that democratic nations have previously taken similar steps, citing Germany and Italy's post-World War II bans on Nazi and Fascist parties, and Spain and Belgium's prohibition of secessionist groups.

He claimed that reports from the UN Human Rights Office confirmed Awami League’s involvement in crimes against humanity. He further alleged that the party dismantled democratic institutions, destroyed the electoral process, looted banks, and transferred huge sums of money abroad.

The relevant gazette will be issued on the next working day.

The meeting, chaired by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, also approved amendments to the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act. The revised law enables the tribunal to prosecute political parties and affiliated organisations.

Additionally, the Council of Advisers decided to finalise and publish the July Declaration within the next 30 working days.

On Friday, the government announced plans to amend the law to allow for the prosecution of associations and political parties involved in crimes against humanity.