Bangladesh's interim government bans ousted former PM Sheikh Hasina's Awami League

All activities of the political outfit have been banned until the International Crimes Tribunal completes the trial of the party and its leaders.

Hasina's Awami League, which is credited with having a long history of freedom struggle of the nation was formed in 1971, has also ruled the South Asian country for the longest period.

Following Hasina's ouster amid severe protests against her, she has been living in India, where she fled from Bangladesh on August 5, 2024.

The decision to ban the political outfit was reached during a meeting of the interim government's council amid protests across the country against the Awami League.

The protesters have been demanding the imposition of a complete ban on the Awami League for the past three days.

The ban aims to "ensure national security, protect leaders and activists of the uprising, and safeguard plaintiffs and witnesses involved in the tribunal proceedings", Law Adviser Asif Nazrul was quoted as saying by The Daily Star at the briefing held in front of the chief adviser's official residence.

The advisers also approved an amendment to the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act, 1973, giving the tribunal the authority to punish political parties, their affiliated organisations, or support groups, the newspaper reported.

Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus has been ruling Bangladesh after Hasina, the longest-serving PM of the nation, exited the country, creating a political vacuum.

Hamid Leaves Bangladesh

Last week, former Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid, an Awami League leader, managed to flee the country, months after the Hasina-led regime toppled.

Since the ouster of the former government, several Awami League leaders escaped the country, while others were arrested. Some are still absconding.

Many Awami League leaders are facing multiple charges, including murder.

Hamid is reportedly facing a murder case.

A source told Dhaka Tribune that Hamid departed for the Thai capital, Bangkok, on a Thai Airways flight.

July-August Uprising

According to the UN website,  The repression of mass protests in Bangladesh last year that toppled longtime prime minister Sheikh Hasina left as many as 1,400 people dead in just 46 days – the vast majority shot by security forces.

In addition to those killed by the former government’s security and intelligence services alongside Awami League party associates, a report by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) into the alleged crimes indicated that thousands were injured, including one youngster who was shot in the hand at point-blank range for throwing stones.

According to the OHCHR report, as many as 12 to 13 per cent of those killed were children. Bangladesh Police also reported that 44 of its officers were killed between 1 July and 15 August 2024.