The Awami League, Bangladesh’s former ruling party, has condemned a sweeping ban on all its activities under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The decision was made by the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after a mass uprising.
The ban will be in effect until the International Crimes Tribunal concludes a trial over alleged crimes during the deadly protests in July and August 2024 that reportedly left hundreds of students and protesters dead.
Although the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) had initially opposed banning a political party, senior BNP leader Salahuddin Ahmed supported the trial, calling it a delayed but necessary action.
The Awami League claimed the move is undemocratic and accused the government of stoking division and promoting a pogrom against dissenters. The UN had earlier expressed concern about political bans and the deaths of up to 1,400 people during anti-government protests.
Sheikh Hasina, now in exile in India, and other top leaders are facing charges of murder.