The BNP government is set to transform the interim government’s “anti-terrorism ordinance,” which banned the activities of the Awami League, into law. The proposed legislation includes punitive measures. During the interim government, the BNP had opposed the idea of banning any political party through executive orders, stating that the public should decide. However, after coming to power, the government is taking steps to convert the ordinance into law. Until the executive order is officially revoked, the Awami League remains under restrictions. Once the law, including punitive provisions, is enacted, the party will face even greater limitations in carrying out political activities.
The 133rd ordinance issued by the interim government was introduced in the 13th Parliament on March 13. On that day, a 14-member special committee was formed to review the ordinances. Under Article 93 of the Constitution, an ordinance lapses if not passed by Parliament within 30 days, which in this case would have been April 12.
Last Thursday, the special committee recommended that 98 ordinances be converted into law without any changes. Fifteen ordinances were proposed for amendments before being presented as bills. Sixteen ordinances are not to be introduced at this time, and four were repealed based on recommendations from Hefazat.
Among the 15 ordinances recommended for amendment and presentation as bills is the “Anti-Terrorism Ordinance” issued on May 11, 2025. This ordinance, by amending Sections 18 and 20 of the 2009 Anti-Terrorism Act, banned the activities of the Awami League and all its affiliated organizations. The same law had banned the activities of the student wing, Chhatra League, in October 2024.
On May 9 last year, NCP leaders staged a protest at the residence of then Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, demanding the ban on the Awami League. Later, other parties, including Jamaat-e-Islami, Gana Odhikar Parishad, Islami Andolon, AB Party, and Bangladesh Khalafat Majlis, joined the movement.
On the night of May 11, an emergency meeting of the advisory council at Yunus’ residence amended two sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act. It allowed the government to ban the activities of individuals or organizations involved in terrorism through executive orders. On the same day, a government notification stated that the Awami League’s activities would remain banned until trials in the International Crimes Tribunal concluded.
The interim government did not directly ban the Awami League. However, under the restrictions of Section 20 of the ordinance, the party cannot hold rallies, meetings, or assemblies; its offices must remain closed; bank accounts can be frozen; posters and banners cannot be displayed; press releases cannot be issued; and the party is barred from publishing in media or social platforms and holding press conferences.
The law proposes that banned organizations conducting activities could face four to 14 years of imprisonment. The ordinance itself did not specify penalties for violations, meaning the Awami League had been under restriction without legal consequences for noncompliance.
The parliamentary special committee, consulting with relevant ministries, recommended the passage of the anti-terrorism ordinance as law. The Ministry of Home Affairs noted that “the ordinance does not contain any penal provisions for banned organizations, but punitive measures can be added.”
Although it is unclear what specific penalties will be included, government sources indicate that existing provisions under Section 16 of the law would apply to restricted organizations. Awami League leaders have refrained from making formal statements on the matter. However, Presidium member and former minister Abdur Rahman told reporters that the public will ultimately decide. He added that facing restrictions is not new for the Awami League, as the party has navigated such challenges in the past.
When asked whether the Awami League would challenge the validity of the ordinance in court, Abdur Rahman said the party would take legal or protest action wherever necessary.
