The interim administration headed by Muhammad Yunus slapped a ban on Bangladesh’s oldest political party Awami League’s activities, an adviser said on Saturday.
The council of adviser to the interim administration came up with the decision at an emergency meeting as several thousand protesters outside the Chief Adviser’s residence were demanding the ban of the party that is being led by former ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Asif Nazrul disclosed the decision at a news briefing after the meeting that ended at around 11 pm.
He said the meeting decided to bring in an amendment to the International Crimes Tribunal Act to incorporate a provision to try and punish any political party, its affiliated organization or supporters.
The meeting decided to ban all activities of the Awami League—including in cyberspace—under the Anti-Terrorism Act, until the prosecution of the Awami League and its leaders is completed in the International Crimes Tribunal.
“This decision aims to safeguard the country’s security and sovereignty, protect the leaders and activists of the July Movement, and ensure the safety of plaintiffs and witnesses involved in the tribunal,” the adviser added.
A necessary order regarding this will be issued on the next working day (Monday), according to him.
The meeting also decided that the July Declaration will be finalized and published within the next 30 working days.
The protesters cheered the government decision as they had been pressing the government to ban Awami League for its misrule in the past 15 years.