Bangladesh Bans Awami League Amid Crackdown on Political Unrest; Hasina Faces Arrest Warrant

Dhaka — The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has officially banned the Awami League, the country’s largest political party and former ruling power, citing its alleged role in the violent suppression of anti-government protests in July 2024 that reportedly left over 1,400 people dead.

The move, announced late Wednesday, marks a seismic shift in Bangladesh’s political landscape and comes amid a broader campaign by the caretaker administration to restore order following months of nationwide unrest. Government advisor Asif Nazrul stated that all Awami League activities, including online operations, are now suspended under the country’s Anti-Terrorism Act. “This decision has been taken to ensure the sovereignty and security of Bangladesh,” he said, adding that it is also intended to protect protesters and witnesses linked to the ongoing tribunal investigations.

The party’s suspension is pending the outcome of a high-profile trial in which it stands accused of orchestrating a brutal crackdown on demonstrators last July. The United Nations has estimated that the clashes resulted in as many as 1,400 deaths, a figure that has shocked international observers and sparked global concern.

Sheikh Hasina, the ousted former Prime Minister and Awami League leader, is currently in self-imposed exile in India and faces an arrest warrant issued by a Dhaka tribunal for alleged crimes against humanity. Former President Abdul Hamid, also a senior figure in the party, reportedly left the country on Thursday. In response, authorities have launched disciplinary proceedings against three airport police officers for failing to prevent his departure.

In a controversial move, the interim government has amended the International Crimes Tribunal Act to allow for the prosecution of entire political parties and affiliated organizations. Human rights groups have expressed alarm over the amendment, warning it could be used to stifle political dissent and calling for greater transparency in the legal process.

The Awami League has condemned the ban, labeling it “illegitimate” and politically motivated. “This is nothing but a desperate attempt to erase the democratic legacy of our party,” read a statement issued by the group.

The announcement follows a mass demonstration outside the residence of interim leader Muhammad Yunus, where thousands of protestors demanded the formal dissolution of the Awami League, accusing it of inciting long-standing political instability.

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Yunus, globally recognized for his microfinance initiatives and anti-poverty advocacy, took charge earlier this year amid mounting unrest that led to Hasina’s ousting. The trial of the Awami League is scheduled to begin later this month.

International observers have urged the Bangladeshi government to uphold due process and democratic norms during this critical transitional period.