The government has officially banned all activities of the Awami League and its affiliated, associated, and like-minded organizations. On Monday (May 12), the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a gazette notification under the authority of the President’s order.

According to the notification, signed by Senior Secretary Nasimul Ghani, the government believes there are reasonable grounds to enforce this ban under the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 and Section 18(1) of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009. The decision will remain in effect until the trials against leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliate groups at the International Crimes Tribunal are completed.

The ban covers “all forms of activities” by these organizations, including public communication, media coverage, social media campaigns, rallies, gatherings, and events of any kind.

The notification further states that on August 5 of 2024, the Awami League and its affiliate groups were removed from power following a student-led mass uprising. In the lead-up to and aftermath of that event, members of these groups allegedly carried out widespread violence, including attacks, enforced disappearances, killings, torture, and rape—spreading fear across the country.

Between July 15 and August 5, members of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations were also reportedly involved in suppressing the public movement through murder, burning people alive, mass killings, illegal detentions, inhumane torture, looting, arson, and acts that constitute terrorism and crimes against humanity. Both local and international reports have documented these allegations.

The government has stated that multiple criminal cases are currently pending in both the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) and domestic courts against individuals from these organizations.

Following the uprising, further incidents have been observed, including attacks on student protesters, inciting rallies, distributing anti-state leaflets, and using social media to spread provocative content. Several leaders, including those living abroad, are allegedly involved. The groups have also been linked to damage to both personal and state property.

According to the government, these actions pose a serious threat to national sovereignty and security. They have also created fear among plaintiffs and witnesses in ongoing trials, with concerns that this could obstruct justice and further destabilize the law and order situation across the country.

Finally, the government claims it has enough evidence showing that the Awami League and its affiliate groups have engaged in various illegal and conspiratorial activities—similar to those of terrorist organizations—intended to destabilize the country and create fear among the public.

Given these concerns, the government believes the ban on all activities of the Awami League and its affiliates, associated, and like-minded organizations should remain in effect until all related judicial proceedings are concluded.