India has expressed concern over the interim government’s imposed ban on the activities of the Awami League in Bangladesh. Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal raised this concern during a press briefing in New Delhi on Tuesday. He also called for the immediate holding of free, fair, and inclusive elections in Bangladesh.
Jaiswal stated, “Imposing a ban on the Awami League without due process is a matter of concern.” He added, “As a democratic country, India is naturally concerned about the shrinking of democratic space and the curtailment of political rights.” He reaffirmed India’s strong support for the immediate organization of free and participatory elections in Bangladesh.
Earlier, on Saturday, Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, announced a ban on all activities of the Awami League under the Anti-Terrorism Act. The decision was taken during an emergency meeting of the interim government’s advisory council.
Following the meeting, Legal Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul stated that the ban was imposed to safeguard national security and sovereignty, ensure the safety of July Movement activists, and protect plaintiffs and witnesses involved in the International Crimes Tribunal. The ban includes all cyber and offline activities of the Awami League until the tribunal completes its proceedings.
On Monday afternoon, the Ministry of Home Affairs officially issued a notification prohibiting all activities of the Awami League, along with its affiliated and allied organizations, until the end of the judicial process.
