Bangladesh’s interim govt bans Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League citing national security

The interim government of Bangladesh led by Muhammad Yunus has officially banned the Awami League, the political party formerly headed by Sheikh Hasina, citing national security concerns and a pending trial at the International Crimes Tribunal, as per reports.

According to reports, the Awami League has been accused of promoting terrorism and has been banned under the country’s Anti-Terrorism Act. The interim administration clarified that the ban will remain in place until the completion of legal proceedings against the party at the tribunal.

The government must prioritise the safety of the state and its citizens. In the best interest of the people, the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League has been banned.

The move follows months of political unrest and violent protests that erupted in June and July 2024, after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024. Since then, Sheikh Hasina has reportedly been residing in India.