Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League banned by Bangladesh’s interim government

Bangladesh’s interim government on Saturday banned the Awami League, the party once led by deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.The decision was taken under the country’s anti-terrorism law and is expected to be formalised through a gazette notification on the next working day.The statement from Muhammad Yunus’s office described the action as a “statement of the council of advisers”, referring to the Cabinet. The ban will stay in effect until the International Crimes Tribunal completes trials against the Awami League and several of its top leaders. The tribunal will examine allegations connected to events leading up to and during the Awami League’s rule, which ended following a popular uprising in July 2024.Officials said the move was also aimed at ensuring the safety of individuals who led the July uprising, as well as the complainants and witnesses involved in the ICT trials. "The decision was taken in the interest of protecting the country's security and sovereignty," the statement read.In a parallel development, the council of advisers chaired by interim leader Muhammad Yunus amended existing legislation governing the International Crimes Tribunal. The changes now allow the tribunal to prosecute not only individuals but also entire political parties, their front organisations, and affiliated bodies.The Awami League, founded in 1949, has been one of the most influential political forces in Bangladesh. It spearheaded the autonomy movement for Bengalis during the era of East Pakistan and played a central role in the 1971 Liberation War.