The demand to ban the Awami League as a political party has resurfaced, fueling intense debate in the country’s political sphere for the past six months. The National Citizens’ Committee and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement have recently voiced their strong support for the prohibition of the ruling party, with some members even advocating for the cancellation of its political registration.
Nasiruddin Patwari, convener of the National Citizens’ Committee, warned that if the Awami League’s registration is not revoked before the upcoming elections, the country could face a severe crisis. Speaking at a discussion titled “The Autocratic Foundation of Bangladesh: The Possibility of a July Student-People Uprising” at the National Press Club on Friday, he stated, “If the people do not mobilize to ensure the Awami League’s deregistration before the elections, the nation will be pushed toward civil war.”
Patwari called on the interim government to act decisively against the Awami League. “Revoke their registration for their crimes. If the Awami League’s banner is not addressed before the elections, there will be no path back to a democratic Bangladesh,” he asserted. He urged people to socially and politically ostracize the Awami League without any leniency.
Just hours later, Abdul Hannan Masud, chief organizer of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, echoed this sentiment, stating that they wanted to see the Awami League banned. His remarks came after the funeral of Mohammad Hasan, a student activist killed in the July uprising, held at Dhaka University.
Government Actions and Public Reactions
Amid mounting pressure, the government is reportedly considering measures to address these demands. Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan, an advisor to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, mentioned in a statement to BSS on February 7 that the government would soon take steps regarding the possible ban of the Awami League as a political entity.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated following an attack on local Anti-Discrimination Student Movement activists in Gazipur on February 7, leading to further protests. The subsequent death of an injured activist, Abul Kashem, on February 12 intensified demands for the Awami League’s prohibition.
At a mass funeral held at the Central Shaheed Minar that night, leaders from both movements, including Akhter Hossain, Hasnat Abdullah, and Arif Sohel, reiterated their call for the legal dissolution of the Awami League. Social media campaigns also gained traction, with Hasnat Abdullah posting “#BanAwamiLeague” on his verified Facebook account.
On February 15, several cities, including Chittagong, Khulna, and Rajshahi, witnessed large-scale protests organized by student and civil society groups. Demonstrators carried banners denouncing the Awami League and demanding its immediate dissolution. Reports suggest that law enforcement agencies have been deployed to prevent potential violence, although clashes between protestors and police have already been reported in some areas.
Legal and Political Developments
Following the fall of the Awami League government during the July uprising, various factions have sought legal action to formalize the party’s ban. On August 19, the “Sarda Society” organization filed a petition with the High Court, seeking the cancellation of the Awami League’s registration. However, during the hearing on August 27, Attorney General Md. Asaduzzaman argued that the interim government should not engage in retaliatory politics. The High Court ultimately dismissed the petition.
Political experts remain divided on the issue. Professor Asif Nazrul, a legal advisor, commented on August 28 that while individual leaders may bear responsibility for past actions, banning an entire political party might not be justified. Meanwhile, interim government spokesperson Shafiqul Alam stated on January 29 that the Awami League would not be permitted to conduct political activities unless they faced accountability for alleged atrocities.
On February 20, the Law Ministry announced the formation of a special committee to review legal frameworks that could potentially be used to dissolve the Awami League. The committee, consisting of legal scholars, political analysts, and human rights experts, is expected to submit its findings by March.
The opposition BNP has maintained that the decision to ban the Awami League should rest with the people, not the government. Legal provisions under the “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2009” allow the government to ban organizations, a law previously used to prohibit Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Chhatra Shibir on August 1 of last year. The interim government later overturned that decision but, on October 23, officially outlawed the Awami League’s affiliated student wing, Bangladesh Chhatra League.
International Reactions and Implications
The renewed calls for banning the Awami League have also drawn international attention. Several human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have expressed concern over potential political suppression. The United Nations has urged Bangladesh to ensure that any legal actions taken against political parties remain in accordance with democratic principles and human rights norms.
Western nations, including the United States and the European Union, have closely monitored the developments. The US State Department issued a statement on February 18 urging all political parties to engage in dialogue and uphold democratic values. Meanwhile, China and Russia have maintained a more neutral stance, calling for stability in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
With heightened political tensions, Abdul Hannan Masud declared yesterday that protests would continue until the Awami League is banned and its leaders face justice. “We will not leave the streets until the murderers are brought to justice and the Awami League is outlawed,” he affirmed. The coming months are expected to be crucial in determining the fate of the Awami League and the broader political landscape of Bangladesh.
