The Bangladesh government has officially banned the Chhatra League, a student organization affiliated with the ruling Awami League, following allegations of violent attacks on the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and other serious accusations involving torture and harassment.
The ban was issued on Wednesday, October 23, under the directive of President Mohammed Shahabuddin, with an official order signed by Senior Secretary Dr. Mohammad Abdul Momen. The notification was released by the Ministry of Home Affairs, citing a range of criminal activities linked to the organization.
According to the statement, the Chhatra League has been involved in “murder, torture, dormitory-based oppression, seat-trading in student halls, tender manipulation, rape, and sexual harassment,” over the past 15 years. These activities have been widely reported by major media outlets in the country, with some crimes even proven in courts of law.
The ban follows a violent attack on July 15, 2024, when Chhatra League members allegedly launched armed assaults on students and civilians participating in the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement. These attacks resulted in the deaths of numerous students and citizens, leaving many others injured.
In addition to its violent past, the organization has been accused of engaging in conspiracies, destruction, and terrorist activities, particularly after the fall of the Awami League government in early August 2024.
Under the country’s Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009, the government has formally banned the Chhatra League, effectively listing the group as a prohibited entity.
During the Bangladesh Liberation War, the Bangladesh Chhatra League was a key player,