Awami League activities banned

The Advisory Council of the interim government has decided to ban all activities of the Awami League, including in the cyberspace, under the Anti-Terrorism Act until the trial of the party and its leaders in the International Crimes Tribunal is completed.

After an emergency meeting on Saturday night amid protests seeking the ban of Awami League, Law Advisor Dr Asif Nazrul announced the decision.

He said, "The decision was taken in order to protect the security and sovereignty of the country, the safety of the leaders and activists of the July movement, and the protection of the plaintiffs and witnesses of the International Crimes Tribunal."

 "The necessary circular will be issued on the next working day," he added. The meeting approved the amendment to the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act. According to the amendment, the International Crimes Tribunals will be able to punish any political party, its affiliates or supporting groups, said the Law Adviser.

The Council of Advisers also decided to finalize and publish the July Declaration within the next 30 working days, said Asif Nazrul.

Advisers Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adilur Rahman Khan, Mahfuj Alam and Asif Mahmud were also present at the briefing.

It is mentionable that Bangladesh Awami League led the Liberation War in 1971.