Govt Suspends All AL Activities Until Trial Concludes
The Advisory Council, chaired by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has banned all Awami League activities under the Anti-Terrorism Act until its trial at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) concludes.
The ban aims to protect national security, July Movement activists, and ICT plaintiffs and witnesses.
Law Adviser Asif Nazrul announced the decision after an emergency meeting at Jamuna state guest house, prompted by protests demanding AL’s ban.
The council approved amendments to the ICT Act, allowing prosecution of political parties and their affiliates.
All AL activities, including online, will remain suspended during the trial. A formal circular will be issued on the next working day, Asif Nazrul said.
The council also committed to finalising and publishing the July Proclamation within 30 working days. Information Adviser Mahfuj Alam confirmed on Facebook that legal provisions for the ban have been approved.
The decision follows protests in Shahbagh since Thursday, led by the National Citizen Party (NCP), alongside Jamaat-e-Islami and Hefazat-e-Islam.
NCP chief Nahid Islam demanded AL be declared a terrorist organization and tried under the ICT Act.
Responding to calls from political parties and civil society over AL’s alleged authoritarianism and violence, Asif Nazrul emphasized that the Anti-Terrorism Act and amendable ICT Act provide legal grounds for the ban. “We are united in taking action against the Awami League,” he said.
