The interim government does not anticipate any negative international response to the decision to ban all activities, including online operations, of Bangladesh Awami League, citing national security concerns and evidence of crimes against humanity.
Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam made the remark on his verified facebook page on Sunday, following a special meeting of the Council of Advisers that decided on the ban under the Anti-Terrorism Act in the early night.
“I don’t believe the world will lament over banning AL’s activities,” Alam wrote. “This ban was necessary to protect national security and sovereignty, ensure the safety of July uprising activists, and safeguard plaintiffs and witnesses of the International Crimes Tribunal.”
The Council, led by Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, also approved amendments to the International Crimes Tribunals Act, allowing the tribunals to prosecute not just individuals, but also political parties and associated organisations found to be involved in crimes against humanity, reports UNB.
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul, who briefed the media outside the State Guest House Jamuna early Sunday, said the move is aimed at protecting national stability and supporting ongoing judicial processes.
The decision follows the findings of a recent UN Human Rights Council report which, according to the press secretary, “demonstrated beyond reasonable doubt” that Awami League leaders, members, and affiliated organisations were involved in serious international crimes.
“This party [Awami League] caused wholesale destruction of democracy and the electoral process in Bangladesh” Alam stated. “Its leaders and supporters looted the banks dry and siphoned off colossal amounts of funds abroad.”
He drew comparisons with historical precedents in Western democracies, noting that entire parties have been banned in the past for similar offences. “Germany and Italy banned Nazi and Fascist parties after World War II. In Spain and Belgium, some political parties were banned for secessionist activities, he remarked.
“There is nobody in the democratic world who will speak in favour of such a brazenly murderous, anti-democratic and corrupt party,” Alam wrote.
Meanwhile, the relevant gazette formalising the ban will be issued on the next working day, according to the Asif Nazrul.
The interim government also announced plans to publish the long-awaited July Declaration within the next 30 working days. On Friday, the government confirmed it was preparing to amend the war crimes law to allow for the trial of entities — such as political parties and affiliated groups — alongside individuals.