2025-05-10T17:36:33Z

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In a significant political move, Bangladesh’s interim government, led by chief advisor Muhammad Yunus, officially announced on Saturday a ban on the Awami League, the party formerly headed by ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This decision is rooted in allegations of serious crimes and is framed under the country's anti-terrorism legislation. The government stated that the formal gazette notification detailing the ban would be published on the next working day.

The council of advisers, which functions similarly to a cabinet, articulated that the ban will remain in effect until the completion of legal proceedings against the Awami League and its leadership in Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). The administration justified this course of action by emphasizing the necessity to safeguard the nation's security and sovereignty, particularly in light of ongoing tensions following the July 2024 uprising. This uprising was initially sparked by protests against a controversial reservation system, which later escalated into widespread opposition against Hasina’s governance. The situation intensified as allegations emerged of a brutal crackdown on demonstrators, primarily students, who were advocating for their rights.

As these tensions boiled over, the 77-year-old Hasina reportedly fled Dhaka and has since been living in India, seeking refuge from the escalating political turmoil. In a recent meeting that culminated in the decision to impose the ban, Yunus also spearheaded amendments to the ICT law, expanding its jurisdiction to include the prosecution of political parties, their affiliated organizations, and any connected entities.

Sheikh Hasina, who has held power for over a decade, is facing a multitude of allegations ranging from corruption to more severe accusations of mass murder and crimes against humanity. These charges have culminated in ongoing legal proceedings at the International Crimes Tribunal, a court specifically established to address war crimes and other serious offenses in Bangladesh. Just last month, a court issued arrest warrants for Hasina, along with her sister Sheikh Rehana, British MP Tulip Rizwana Siddiq, and 50 other individuals for their alleged involvement in the illegal acquisition of land through the abuse of political influence.

Moreover, the student-led National Citizen Party (NCP) has been vocal in its demands for accountability, urging that Hasina be held responsible for alleged “wrongdoings” throughout her tenure. This group has also called on the Awami League to abstain from participating in the upcoming general elections, indicating a significant shift in the political landscape as the nation heads toward potentially transformative elections.