Bangladesh Election Commission has suspended the registration of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, effectively barring the longest ruling political outfit in the country’s history from contesting the next general polls.
Akhtar Ahmed, senior secretary of the Election Commission, confirmed the development to local newspaper The Daily Star.
The decision was taken at a meeting held at the EC secretariat, the official informed.
He told the newspaper, “As you are aware, earlier today the Ministry of Home Affairs banned the activities of the Bangladesh Awami League along with its affiliated and associate organisations. In light of that, the Election Commission has decided to suspend the Awami League’s registration.”
Speaking on the ground under which the registration of the party has been banned, EC Secretary Akhtar Ahmed told the newspaper: “We have taken this step in continuation of the notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.”
Interim government Bans AL
The Interim government — which came to power after Hasina’s exit from Bangladesh in August 2024 amid severe protests against her regime over the anti-job quota issue — banned the Awami League on Saturday under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
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 is credited with having a long history of freedom struggle of the nation which was formed in 1971 after gaining independence from Pakistan.
The interim government made the announcement amid protests across Bangladesh, demanding a ban on Awami League.
July-August uprising
According to the UN website, The repression of mass protests in Bangladesh last year that toppled Hasina’s government, left as many as 1,400 people dead in just 46 days – the vast majority reportedly 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 percent of those killed were children. Bangladesh Police also reported that 44 of its officers were killed between 1 July and 15 August 2024.
