Government Proclamation: All Activities of Awami League Suspended Until Trial Ends

A government notification issued on Monday (May 12), signed by Senior Secretary Nasimul Gani, states that all activities of the Bangladesh Awami League—including its affiliated, associated, and like-minded organizations—are hereby prohibited until the completion of ongoing legal proceedings.

According to the notification, from January 6, 2009, when the party formed the government, to August 5, 2024, when it was ousted by a student-led mass uprising, the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated bodies engaged in widespread oppression, including attacks, enforced disappearances, murders, torture, rapes, and other acts of violence against opposition political activists and dissenters, creating a reign of terror across the country.

The proclamation further states that from July 15 to August 5, 2024, during the crackdown on the student-led movement, the Awami League and its affiliated groups were responsible for serious crimes, including enforced disappearances, killings by arson, massacres, illegal detentions, inhumane torture, looting, arson, terrorism, and crimes against humanity. These allegations have been corroborated by both domestic and international reports.

Currently, numerous cases are under trial in the International Crimes Tribunal and other national courts against leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated bodies for these alleged crimes.

The notification explains that after August 5, 2024, the Awami League and its affiliated organizations were involved in activities such as inciting violence against protesters, organizing provocative marches, distributing anti-state leaflets, and delivering criminal speeches via social media from exiled leaders. These actions have threatened national sovereignty, created fear among plaintiffs and witnesses, and are seen as attempts to obstruct judicial proceedings and destabilize law and order.

The government possesses sufficient evidence indicating that the Awami League and its associated groups have been involved in conspiracies and unlawful activities with the intent to destabilize the state and incite terror. Under Section 18(1) of the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, and the Anti-Terrorism Act, 2009, the government has deemed it appropriate to suspend all activities of the Awami League and its associated groups until the conclusion of all trials in the International Crimes Tribunal.

Therefore, the following restrictions have been imposed:
• All forms of public communications, including publications, media appearances, and online or social media campaigns by the Awami League or its affiliates, are banned.
• The organization and its affiliated bodies are prohibited from holding any processions, meetings, conferences, or similar activities.
This order is effective immediately as per the directives of the Honorable President.

The authenticity of the proclamation has been confirmed by Security Advisor Lieutenant General (Retd.) Md. Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.