<p>The Advisory Council of Bangladesh’s interim government has announced a sweeping ban on all activities of the Awami League, including its digital presence, under the Anti-Terrorism Act. This decision will remain in effect until the party’s trial at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is completed.</p>
<p>The move, described as a step to “protect the country’s security and sovereignty,” was confirmed in a statement issued after a special meeting of the Advisory Council, convened by Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus on Saturday.</p>
<h2>The council’s statement read:</h2>
<p>“Statement by the Advisory Council<br />Dhaka, 10 May, 2025: A special meeting of the Advisory Council was held today, Saturday, 10 May 2025. Amendment of International Crime Tribunal Act approved in the meeting. According to the amendment, the International Crime Tribunal can punish any political party, its organization or supporter groups.<br />Advisory Council meeting to protect the security and sovereignty of Bangladesh Awami League and its leaders until judgement is completed, the security of the July movement leaders and workers and ban all activities of Awami League including cyber space under anti-terrorism law for the safety of the July movement leaders and workers of the International Crime Tribunal Has been done.</p>
<p>The necessary documents on this will be issued in the next working day.<br />In addition to this, today’s Advisory Council meeting has also been decided to finalize the July announcement paper within the next 30 working days.”</p>
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<h2>Protests Demand Immediate Ban</h2>
<p>The decision comes amid mounting pressure from a diverse coalition of protest groups demanding the complete dissolution of the Awami League. On Saturday, protesters gathered at Shahbagh in central Dhaka, calling for a clear roadmap to permanently outlaw the party.</p>
<p>Hasnat Abdullah, chief organizer (south) of the National Citizen Party and a prominent leader of the student-led uprising that toppled the Awami League regime in August 2023, issued a stark ultimatum from the protest site.</p>
<p>“We will announce a ‘March to Jamuna’ if we do not receive a clear roadmap for banning the Awami League within the next hour,” Abdullah declared at around 7:30 pm, referring to the official residence of the Chief Adviser.</p>
<p>The blockade, which began late Friday, continued through Saturday, with protesters blocking the road between Banglamotor and Shahbagh, concentrating at Razoshiq Mor in front of the Hotel Intercontinental, reported by Dhaka Tribune. </p>
<p>Earlier, Abdullah had urged restraint, posting on his verified Facebook page around 4 am Saturday: “Do not block highways in Dhaka or elsewhere. Hold spontaneous gatherings in districts but refrain from blockades. Lift any existing blockades.”</p>
<h2>Background of the Uprising</h2>
<p>The protest movement is being led by two major blocs. The first includes post-July uprising groups such as the National Citizen Party, United Peoples’ Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Democratic Student Council, and the “July Unity” coalition, which comprises over 50 organizations like Inqilab Manch and the Anti-Fascist Coalition.</p>
<p>The second bloc is formed by Islamist groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir, Islamic Movement Bangladesh, and Hefazat-e-Islam Bangladesh.</p>
<p>The current wave of protests was sparked by the departure of former President Abdul Hamid to Bangkok on Thursday, months after the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League government. Hamid’s exit, seen by some as a government-facilitated escape, has intensified demands for a complete ban on the party.</p>
<h2>Next Steps for the Interim Government</h2>
<p>In addition to the Awami League ban, the Advisory Council has announced plans to finalize and publish the long-awaited July Declaration within the next 30 working days, a move likely to shape the country’s immediate political future.</p>
<p>A formal government circular confirming the ban is expected to be issued on the next working day, according to the Advisory Council’s statement.</p>
World
Bangladesh Bans Awami League Activities Under Anti-Terrorism Law Amid Rising Protest Pressure
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