[🇧🇩] Banning Awami League, Chhatra League and Jubo League

[Saif]

Protesters gather in front of Jamuna demanding ban on Awami League

Students and the public have started a sit-in programme in front of the Jamuna, the residence of the chief advisor, demanding that the Awami League be tried as a genocide perpetrator and that the party be banned. The programme began at 10 pm on Thursday (May 8) under the leadership of NCP's chief

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Protesters gather in front of Jamuna demanding ban on Awami League
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 08, 2025 23:35
Updated :
May 08, 2025 23:35

Students and the public have started a sit-in programme in front of the Jamuna, the residence of the chief advisor, demanding that the Awami League be tried as a genocide perpetrator and that the party be banned.

The programme began at 10 pm on Thursday (May 8) under the leadership of NCP's chief organiser (south) Hasnat Abdullah, according to local media.

Hasnat Abdullah appeared in front of the Jamuna at 10 pm that night. Since then, protesters have been gathering there with processions demanding a ban on the Awami League.

Earlier, Hasnat Abdullah announced on his verified Facebook ID that he would start a sit-in programme in front of the chief advisor's residence, Jamuna.​

 

[Saif]

'March to Dhaka' again if decision is not made quickly: Nahid

On Friday night, National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam warned that if the government does not promptly decide to ban the Awami League (AL), a nationwide "March to Dhaka" will be organised, similar to previous mass mobilisations. This warning was issued via a post on his verified Faceboo

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

'March to Dhaka' again if decision is not made quickly: Nahid
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 09, 2025 23:06
Updated :
May 09, 2025 23:06

On Friday night, National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam warned that if the government does not promptly decide to ban the Awami League (AL), a nationwide "March to Dhaka" will be organised, similar to previous mass mobilisations. This warning was issued via a post on his verified Facebook page during the ongoing Shahbagh blockade.

In his statement, Nahid Islam emphasised that the sit-in at Shahbagh would continue and called upon all forces, regardless of political affiliation, to unite in the demand to ban the Awami League, citing concerns over national sovereignty, according to local media.

The protest at Shahbagh began earlier in the day, with Hasnat Abdullah, NCP's chief organiser for the southern region, leading a rally that moved from the Chief Adviser's residence to the Shahbagh intersection. By 5:00 PM, approximately a thousand protesters had gathered, chanting slogans demanding the banning of the Awami League.

The Shahbagh blockade is part of a broader movement that includes various political and student organisations, all calling for the prohibition of the Awami League's political activities. This movement follows the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after a mass uprising in July 2024, during which hundreds were killed.

Despite the formation of an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, tensions persist over the Awami League's potential participation in future elections. Student leaders and NCP members have expressed strong opposition to any attempt to reintegrate the party into the political process without holding its leaders accountable for past actions.

The ongoing protests and blockades underscore the deep divisions within Bangladesh's political landscape and the demand for accountability and reform.​

 

[Saif]

We have no disagreement on taking action against Awami League: Asif Nazrul

Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Friday said the law will be no problem in banning the Awami League (AL) as there are some laws, including the Anti-Terrorism Act, for banning the party. "We (advisers) have no disagreement on the issue of taking action against the A

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

We have no disagreement on taking action against Awami League: Asif Nazrul
BSS
Published :
May 09, 2025 18:25
Updated :
May 09, 2025 18:25

Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul on Friday said the law will be no problem in banning the Awami League (AL) as there are some laws, including the Anti-Terrorism Act, for banning the party.

"We (advisers) have no disagreement on the issue of taking action against the Awami League. However, everyone can have their own opinion on the method. We need to remember that if we want, we can amend the ICT Act within a few days. There are other laws, including the Anti-Terrorism Act, to ban the Awami League. So, the law is not a problem," he said in a post on his verified Facebook account on Friday.

The adviser, who is a professor of law himself, said if the political parties demand the banning of the Awami League and the trial courts concerned come up with any judgment or observation in this connection, Awami League can be banned legally for sure.

"The Law Ministry's draft included a provision to ban an organization, in the ICT Act to create an opportunity to ban the Awami League. As the law adviser, I myself raised this in the Advisory Council meeting. How is it possible that I would oppose the draft that was raised by me? Please refrain from blaming me, the student advisers or anyone else for whatever role played by whichever adviser in the Advisory Council meeting." he added.

On the issue of allowing former president Abdul Hamid to leave the country, the law adviser said that it was the duty of police and intelligence agencies to stop the former president, who is a murder case accused, from leaving the country, adding, "Which is in no way a matter under the jurisdiction of my Law Ministry."

"The lower court judges are under the jurisdiction of my ministry. As you probably know, it is not the responsibility of the judges to guard airports or to prevent anyone from travelling," he further said.​

 

[Saif]

'Shahbag blockade will be withdrawn as soon as notification to ban AL is issued'

On Friday, 9 May 2025, protesters blocked Dhaka's Shahbagh intersection, demanding the immediate banning of the Awami League (AL). The demonstration, led by the National Citizen Party (NCP), began in the afternoon and continued into the night. Protesters declared they would not vacate the area unti

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

'Shahbag blockade will be withdrawn as soon as notification to ban AL is issued'
FE ONLINE DESK
Published :
May 09, 2025 23:23
Updated :
May 09, 2025 23:23

On Friday, 9 May 2025, protesters blocked Dhaka's Shahbagh intersection, demanding the immediate banning of the Awami League (AL). The demonstration, led by the National Citizen Party (NCP), began in the afternoon and continued into the night. Protesters declared they would not vacate the area until the government issued an official notification banning the AL.

The protest commenced near the Chief Adviser's residence, Jamuna, and moved to Shahbagh around 4:30 PM, following an announcement by Hasnat Abdullah, the NCP's chief organiser (South). He stated, "We will leave here and blockade Shahbagh. We will continue the blockade until a notification is issued banning the Awami League."

Protesters chanted slogans such as "Ban the Awami League now" and "No place for AL in Bangladesh," while holding national flags and placards demanding the party's prohibition, according to local media. The demonstrators, comprising students, political activists, and members of various Islamic organisations, accused the AL of undermining national sovereignty and democracy.

NCP Convener Nahid Islam warned that if the government delayed banning the AL, a nationwide 'March to Dhaka' would be organised. He emphasised that all forces, regardless of political affiliation, should unite in this demand.

The protest follows the July 2024 uprising, which led to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Since then, there have been increasing calls for the AL's political activities to be banned and for those responsible for the crackdown on protesters to be held accountable.

As of late Friday night, the blockade at Shahbagh remained in place, with protesters vowing to continue their sit-in until their demands are met.​

 

[Saif]

https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/national/politics/govt-says-decision-soon-as-demos-spark-for-al-ban

Protesters led by NCP on day-night sit-ins
Govt says decision soon as demos spark for AL ban

Mass squatting at crossroads disrupts commuting

FE REPORT
Published :
May 10, 2025 00:21
Updated :
May 10, 2025 00:21

Leaders and activists from the National Citizen Party (NCP) and several other political parties and organisations stage a sit-in in front of the State Guest House Jamuna in the capital on Friday demanding a ban on the Awami League. Later, the protesters blocked the Shahbagh intersection, vowing to continue their sit-in until their demand is met. — FE photo

A decision will be made "soon", the interim government said Friday as demonstrators led by the pro-uprising party kept entrenched on mass sit-ins to press for immediate ban on "fascist" Awami League.

Firsthand accounts said different political parties and groups, led by the newcomer National Citizen Party (NCP), blocked Dhaka's mainline Shahbagh intersection, after an overnight demonstration on the demand for outlawing the Bangladesh Awami League (AL) on charges of what they called its past fascist rule and recent incidents linked to its comeback plans.

The protesters threatened to continue their agitation "for days or even months" if their demands went unheard. And the vows echoed through rallies in some other cities.

The blockade began on Friday afternoon following a rally held near the entrance to Minto Road, close to the Chief Adviser's residence at state guesthouse Jamuna.

The announcement was made around 4:30pm by Hasnat Abdullah, NCP's southern-region organiser, from the protest stage.

Leaders and activists from several political parties and groups, including Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan Bangladesh, Amar Bangladesh Party and Inquilab Mancha, joined the tumultuous demonstrations.

General students and members of the public also participated, carrying placards and festoons with slogans.

Meanwhile, the Interim Government of Bangladesh issued a statement on the day, indicating that it would soon make a decision after consultation with political parties regarding the demand for banning the Awami League.

"The government has taken serious note of the growing demand from political parties, organizations, and the public to ban the Bangladesh Awami League due to its autocratic governance and alleged involvement in terrorist activities leading to widespread human-rights violations," says the statement released by the Chief Adviser's press wing.

"Instead of cooperating with ongoing investigations, the party has been attempting to destabilize the country," the statement also reflects the charges brought from street squatters.

The government also acknowledges the significance of a recent UN report that highlighted terrorist activities carried out by AL leaders and supporters during the July uprising.

"Until a final decision is made, we urge everyone to exercise patience," the statement concludes to placate the protesters.

In another development, Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said the government can ban the party under the Anti-Terrorism Act and the ICT Act can be amended if it stands in the way of removing the party from the political landscape of the country.

In a Facebook post on Friday, he said the advisers had no disagreement over taking action against the Awami League.

He said the Awami League, which was ousted from power in a student-led mass movement in July-August, can be banned "swiftly and lawfully" if the political parties want it and the judicial courts give any verdict or review in the matter.

"Our demands have not reached the ears of the interim government. So we are now heading to block Shahbagh. We will remain there until our demand is met," Hasnat declared at the rally.

He also criticized the Awami League sharply, saying, "Even a hundred Pharaohs together couldn't match one Hasina. How Awami League is still considered a political party? We hear the Chief Adviser trying to consult political parties before deciding on banning the Awami League. But Awami League is not a political party in any sense."

After ex-president Abdul Hamid's escape, leaders and activists of NCP began a sit-in in front of the Chief Adviser's residence on Thursday night, demanding a ban on the Awami League. The protest continued into Friday, with a rally held following Jumma prayers.

The large public gathering demanded the ban on the Awami League, beginning the event with a recitation from the Holy Quran.

The gathering started around 2:45pm in front of the Intercontinental Hotel in Dhaka, with NCP leader Ashraf Mahadi leading the Quran recitation.

During a spot visit, an FE correspondent witnessed participants from Islamic and other political parties having joined the rally, while people of all walks of life taking part in the public gathering spontaneously.

Speaking at the rally, Mujibur Rahman Manju, chairman of the Amar Bangladesh Party (AB Party), issued a strong call for the interim government to convene an all-party meeting within 48 hours to formally ban the Awami League.

The NCP declared that their protest against the ruling Awami League only just began and may continue for days or even months. Speaking from the protest stage, NCP's northern region organiser, Sarjis Alam, announced, "Our fight has just begun. We'll remain on the streets until Awami League is officially banned."

Braving sweltering heat after Friday prayers, supporters from various political and student organisations gathered at the protest site. Among those whose presence was announced from the stage were Ashraf Ali Akon, Presidium Member of Islami Andolon Bangladesh, and SM Farhad, Dhaka University unit president of Islami Chhatra Shibir.

Throughout the rally, demonstrators chanted slogans such as 'Ban Awami League', 'Catch the League, jail the League', and 'Dig the grave of Awami League' as some recited protest poetry over the microphone. Protesters also painted slogans like 'Who craves power, dies in the gutter', and 'Power or people?' on roads near Paribagh.

As the rally began under intense midday sun, many protesters became visibly uncomfortable. To ease the situation, city corporation authorities began spraying water from spray cannon to cool down the protest area and make conditions more bearable for participants.

The sit-in began around 10 on Thursday night in front of the Chief Adviser's residence, led by Hasnat Abdullah. He was soon joined by leaders and activists from NCP, Baisommobirodhi Chhatro Andolon, and other allied groups. Around 1 AM, NCP convenor Nahid Islam and secretary Akhtar Hossain arrived with more party leaders. Leaders and activists from Hefazat-e-Islam, AB Party, and Islami Chhatra Shibir joined the protest throughout the night.

After a nightlong protest, leaders and activists of different political parties joined the demonstrations near the Chief Adviser's residence on the morning.

Around 8:30am, from the ongoing sit-in in front of Jamuna, Hasnat Abdullah and chief coordinator Nasiruddin Patwari announced that the rally would be held after Jumma prayers in the Foara (fountain) area west of Jamuna.

Meanwhile, the statement from CA's press wing also added it is worth mentioning that, in response to public demand, the government has already banned the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), the AL student wing, which is widely accused of perpetrating violence and carrying out terrorist activities, under the Anti-Terrorism Act.​

 

[Saif]

Advisory Council begins emergency meeting

An emergency meeting of the Advisory Council has begun in response to the ongoing blockades across Dhaka, including Shahbagh, demanding a ban on the Awami League. The meeting began at 8:00 pm on Saturday at the State Guest House Jamuna, the Chief Advisor’s Office (CAO) cofirmed. A press con

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Advisory Council begins emergency meeting
bdnews24.com
Published :
May 10, 2025 20:54
Updated :
May 10, 2025 20:54

An emergency meeting of the Advisory Council has begun in response to the ongoing blockades across Dhaka, including Shahbagh, demanding a ban on the Awami League.

The meeting began at 8:00 pm on Saturday at the State Guest House Jamuna, the Chief Advisor’s Office (CAO) cofirmed.

A press conference is expected to be held outside the residence of Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus after the meeting.

Earlier, Energy Advisor Fouzul Kabir Khan said, “The meeting will focus on determining the next course of action in light of recent developments.”

The urgency followed a series of protests triggered by news of former president Md Abdul Hamid’s departure from Bangladesh​

 

[Saif]

Government decides to ban Awami League

The interim government has banned the activities of Awami League until the completion of trial of the perpetrators of the killings and atrocities carried out during the July Upsurge. The decision was taken in a special meeting of the council of advisers held at Jamuna State Guest House on Saturday

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Government decides to ban Awami League
FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
May 10, 2025 23:21
Updated :
May 10, 2025 23:42

The interim government has banned the activities of Awami League until the completion of trial of the perpetrators of the killings and atrocities carried out during the July Upsurge.

The decision was taken in a special meeting of the council of advisers held at Jamuna State Guest House on Saturday night, said Law Adviser Asif Nazrul after the meeting.

Asif Nazrul stated that the amendment to the ICT Act enables the tribunal to prosecute political parties, their affiliates, and supporters.

Consequently, all AL operations, including those in cyberspace, are suspended to safeguard national security, sovereignty, and the safety of July Movement activists, plaintiffs, and witnesses involved in the tribunal proceedings .

The government plans to issue the necessary circulars on the next working day to formalise this ban.

Additionally, the Advisory Council resolved to finalise and publish the July Declaration within the next 30 working days.

This move follows escalating demands from civil society and political groups, notably the National Citizen Party (NCP), which has been advocating for a ban on the AL due to alleged involvement in mass killings during the July uprising .

This development marks a significant shift in Bangladesh's political landscape, as the AL, a major political party, faces a comprehensive ban pending the outcome of the ICT trials.​

 

[Saif]

Will hold long march to Jamuna if no ban on Awami League within an hour, NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah

Hasnat Abdullah has announced that they will hold a long march to Jamuna if no announcement banning the Awami League is made within an hour. The chief organiser for the National Citizens’ Party (NCP)'s southern region made the announcement at a rally in Dhaka’s Shahbagh around 7:45 am

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Will hold long march to Jamuna if no ban on Awami League within an hour, NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah
FE Online Desk
Published :
May 10, 2025 21:07
Updated :
May 10, 2025 21:07

Hasnat Abdullah -- File Photo

Hasnat Abdullah has announced that they will hold a long march to Jamuna if no announcement banning the Awami League is made within an hour.

The chief organiser for the National Citizens’ Party (NCP)'s southern region made the announcement at a rally in Dhaka’s Shahbagh around 7:45 am on Saturday.

The Advisory Council, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, head of the interim government, began an emergency meeting around 8:00 pm.

Once the meeting concludes, the media will be briefed, said Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, Abul Kalam Azad.

Earlier, Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam told reporters in Jashore that the Advisory Council had called the meeting to discuss a possible ban on the Awami League under the ICT Act.​