India expresses concern over AL ban; supports early election in Bangladesh
Delhi says it is concerned about the “curtailment of democratic freedoms and shrinking political space” in Bangladesh
India today (13 May) expressed concerns over the ban imposed by the Bangladesh interim government on the activities of the Awami League, a party which was ousted from power last August.
"The ban on the Awami League without due process is a concerning development," said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs, during a regular media briefing in New Delhi, reports UNB.
As a democracy, he said, India is naturally concerned at the "curtailment of democratic freedoms and shrinking political space".
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"We strongly support the early holding of free, fair and inclusive elections in Bangladesh," said Jaiswal.
Yesterday, Bangladesh's interim government issued a gazette notification, banning all activities of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
The notification stated that all activities by the AL and its affiliates will remain banned "until the trial of the leaders and activists of Bangladesh Awami League and all its subsidiary organisations, associate organisations and fraternal organisations is completed at the International Crimes Tribunal."
With immediate effect, the ban covers all activities, including any kind of publication, campaign in media, online and social media, procession, meeting, gathering, conference, etc.
The notification also stated that the "the government has sufficient evidence that the Bangladesh Awami League and all its subsidiary, associate and fraternal organisations are involved in various criminal activities with the aim of destabilising and rendering the state ineffective, and are engaged in various illegal activities and conspiracies similar to terrorist organisations with the aim of spreading fear in the public mind."
It further stated that the government "reasonably believes that it is appropriate to declare a ban on all activities of the party" and all its affiliates under the powers conferred by Section 18(1) of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 and the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009.
