DHAKA – Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, has officially banned all activities of the Awami League, the political party of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The move, announced on May 10, 2025, cites national security concerns and the party’s alleged role in the violent suppression of mass protests in July 2024 that reportedly resulted in over 1,400 deaths.
The ban, enacted under the country’s Anti-Terrorism Act, suspends both online and offline activities of the Awami League until a special tribunal concludes its trial against the party and its leaders. The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) is investigating the deaths of hundreds of individuals during anti-government protests in July and August of the previous year, which ultimately led to Hasina’s ouster after 15 years in power.
The United Nations has documented widespread human rights violations during the protests, including the use of live ammunition by security forces, resulting in an estimated 1,400 fatalities.
In a related development, the interim government has amended the ICT Act to enable the prosecution of entire political parties and their affiliated organizations. This amendment has raised concerns among rights groups about the potential for politically motivated prosecutions and the erosion of democratic norms.
The Awami League has condemned the ban as “illegitimate” and politically motivated, asserting that it is an attempt to erase the democratic legacy of the party. The party has vowed to continue its struggle for justice and democracy.
The political crisis in Bangladesh began in July 2024 over public sector job quotas and escalated into violent clashes. In October 2024, the government also banned the Awami League’s student wing, the Bangladesh Chhatra League, for its involvement in attacks on protesters.
International observers have called for restraint and urged the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure due process and uphold democratic norms during the ongoing political transition. The trial of the Awami League is expected to begin later this month.
