Sun May 11 00:12:22 UTC 2025: ## Bangladesh Bans Ruling Party Amidst Post-Coup Crackdown

**DHAKA, BANGLADESH** – The interim government in Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has issued a sweeping ban on the Awami League, the party of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The ban, enacted under the Anti-Terrorism Act, includes all party activities, both online and offline, until the conclusion of ongoing war crimes trials against its members.

The decision, announced late Saturday following mass protests in Dhaka, was made by the government’s Advisory Council. The council also amended the International Crimes Tribunal Act to allow for the prosecution of political parties and their affiliates. The government cited the need to protect national security, safeguard individuals involved in the July Movement (an anti-Hasina movement), and ensure the safety of witnesses in the war crimes trials as justification for the ban.

Ms. Hasina, who has been in exile in India since August 5th following anti-government protests, and numerous senior party members face numerous murder charges stemming from events following her removal from power last year. A UN report earlier this year estimated that up to 1,400 people were killed during three weeks of protests against her government.

The ban follows an ultimatum issued by thousands of protesters, including members of a newly formed student political party and the student wing of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, demanding the Awami League’s dissolution. An official notification regarding the ban is expected shortly. The interim government also plans to release the “July Declaration” within the next 30 working days.

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