Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League was banned by the interim government of Bangladesh
The interim government of Bangladesh banned the Awami League on Saturday, the party once led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.The decision was taken under the country’s anti -terrorism law and is expected to formally come through a gazette notification on the next working day.The statement of Muhammad Yunus’s office, referring to the cabinet, described the action as a “statement of the council of advisors”. The ban will remain effective until the International Crime Tribunal completed the test against Awami League and several top leaders. The Tribunal will investigate the allegations related to the Awami League’s rule and during it, which ended in July 2024 after a popular rebellion.Officials said the move aims to ensure the safety of individuals who led the July rebellion, as well as complaints and witnesses involved in ICT tests. “The decision was taken in the interest of protecting the country’s security and sovereignty,” the statement said.In a parallel development, the council of advisors headed by interim leader Muhammad Yunus amended the existing law controlling the International Crime Tribunal. Changes now allow the tribunal to prosecute not only individuals, but all political parties, organizations and affiliated bodies.The Awami League, established in 1949, has been one of the most influential political forces in Bangladesh. It led the autonomy movement for Bengalis during the era of East Pakistan and played a central role in the 1971 liberation war.
