Decision on AL ban soon after consulting parties, says govt, urging calm

Highlights:

• Govt considering AL ban over allegations of authoritarian rule, 'terrorist' activities
• It will consult with political parties to make decision
• It moves to amend the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act
• Assures to take action against those involved in departure of Hamid from country

Urging calm, the interim government said it is seriously considering growing calls from political parties, civil society, and the public to ban the Awami League over allegations of authoritarianism and violent activities.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul today (9 May) said the Awami League as a political party can be banned if other political parties want it or the judicial court passes any observation or verdict on the matter.

In an official statement posted on Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus's verified Facebook page today, the government said it has begun talks with political parties and will decide on the matter after consultations.

The statement added that the government is also reviewing a United Nations report detailing acts of political violence and terrorism allegedly committed by Awami League leaders and supporters.

However, the UN in its report, published in February, suggested not banning any political party as this could undermine a return to a genuine multiparty democracy.

Urging the public to remain patient during this sensitive process, the government reaffirmed its commitment to addressing public concerns. It noted that, as part of its response, it has already banned the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) – the Awami League's student wing – under existing anti-terrorism laws.

Additionally, the government stated that it is moving to amend the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act to allow for stronger legal action against organisations implicated in crimes against humanity.

Addressing recent public outrage over the departure of former president Abdul Hamid, who is an accused in a murder case, from the country, the government confirmed it is aware of the situation and vowed to take appropriate legal action against all involved.

The government's response follows a sit-in programme by the National Citizen Party (NCP). The newly formed student-led political party began the sit-in in front of the chief adviser's residence last night, demanding a ban on the Awami League, which was ousted from power on 5 August 2024.

After the Jummah prayers today, the party also held a mass rally there and later blocked the Shahbagh intersection in the capital as more people joined the rally.

Joining their demonstration, supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefazat-e-Islam, Islami Oikya Jote, Students Against Discrimination (SAD), Inqilab Mancha, Jatiya Ganotantrik Party and several other political parties and organisations have expressed solidarity with their demands and urged the government to ban the Awami League.

Law ministry not responsible for Hamid's departure

In a Facebook post today, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said, "AL can quickly be banned in line with the law if the political parties want it or the judicial court gives any verdict or review on the matter. We are waiting for that."

He said AL can be banned anytime under the Anti-Terrorism Act and other laws. He also said that his ministry will amend the ICT law within a few days. The draft ICT law proposed by the law ministry has a provision for banning such organisations.

"As the law adviser, I myself had presented the draft law during a meeting of the Advisory Council," he said, explaining that he is not against banning AL.

"There is no disagreement between us, the advisers, over banning AL. But there can be disagreements over the process of this ban," Asif added.

Regarding the departure of former president Abdul Hamid, the adviser said the issue does not fall under the purview of his ministry. "It was up to police and intelligence agencies to prevent former president Abdul Hamid, who is an accused in a murder case, from leaving the country."

"My ministry oversees the lower courts, and you should know that the lower courts do not guard the airports or block the movement of anyone," Asif Nazrul said, adding that a vested quarter is spreading lies and reactionary statements about him on social media.